Wednesday, January 26, 2000
School treasurer leaves for Mason
46,500 pupils in city vs. 6,000 in Warren Co.
BY SUE KIESEWETTER
Enquirer Contributor
MASON — Richard Gardner will leave Cincinnati Public Schools on May 1 to become treasurer of the Mason schools.
Mr. Gardner, CPS treasurer since 1991, was hired by the Mason board Tuesday. His salary and contract length will be determined in the next few weeks.
Mr. Gardner will work part time as interim treasurer during the transition while CPS begins its search for a new treasurer.
“I'm very excited about working for the school board in my hometown,” said Mr. Gardner, 53, who moved to Mason last spring.
“I have mixed emotions leaving Cincinnati. I love it in Cincinnati. I have enjoyed the challenge. I know there are lots of challenges here. They're just different.”
Mr. Gardner was approached for the position by the Mason board on the recommendation of former Mason Treasurer Cary Furniss and former CPS Treasurer Lynn Goodwin, who now works for Seasongood & Mayer, said Marianne Culbertson, president of the Mason board.
The board did not solicit resumes from others.
He is leaving a district of 46,500 students for Mason, a fast-growing district with more than 6,000 students.
“We're just thrilled to have someone of Dick's caliber coming to our district at such a critical time,” Ms. Culbertson said.
“He comes highly recommended as one of the top treasurers in the state. We're very fortunate he agreed to come here.”
Said Kevin Bright, superintendent of the Mason schools: “With the financial issues that this district has on the horizon, Dick's knowledge of creative and innovative financing should prove invaluable.”
Mr. Gardner was hired as CPS' accounts and budget director in 1989. He was named treasurer two years later when Mr. Goodwin left.
Prior to his work at CPS, Mr. Gardner, who is a certified public accountant, worked 15 years at the Clopay Corp. as a divisional vice president and controller. He has also worked as a CPA for Deloitte Haskins & Sells.
“Mason is a top-notch school district in the state,” Mr. Gardner said. “It's also my home school district now.
“I have become a member of the community. We like the area and I'm looking forward to working for the board, the community and the children in the district.”
A 1964 graduate of St. Xavier High School, Mr. Gardner holds a bachelor's in business administration from the University of Cincinnati. He served in the Army.
He and his wife, Mary, have three grown children.
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