Timothy Penton started his new position Thursday as the treasurer for the Lakewood City Schools.

Well, not officially.

He attended the board of education’s annual retreat as a “visitor.” Board member Emma Petrie-Barcelona served as the meeting’s treasurer pro-tem.

Mostly, he just listened.

Penton is expected to officially begin working for the district on Aug. 1, when he will work part-time, two days per week.

He’s starts full-time on Oct. 1.

Penton — who is currently the treasurer for the Whitehall School District — will have his work cut out for him.

Stepping into his new role, the district is facing a multi-million-dollar shortfall over the next several years. Penton said he’s ready to face the challenges.

“I think that Lakewood City Schools has a high standard of excellence,” he said. “It’s progressive and has many of the challenges that face many large school districts in Ohio and the United States.”

Penton replaces Rick Berdine, who in June announced his resignation as of Dec. 31, 2012.