Schools Treasurer Search Down to Three

And then there were three.

The narrowed its search for the district's new treasurer down to three candidates.

Seeking to replace its current treasurer, the finalists: Teresa Emmerling, treasurer, Massillon City Schools; Lewis Galante, treasurer, Perry Local Schools; and Timothy Penton, treasurer, Whitehall City Schools. 

"I think all the candidates we interviewed were excellent," said board president Matt Markling. "Narrowing the choices down was a difficult decision. We feel good about having three excellent treasurers to interview."

The board started out with 20 applicants for the post.

The six finalists were interviewed on Tuesday and Wednesday, and the board made its decision on Thursday, according to the district's spokeswoman Christine Gordillo.

The board is set to conduct a second round of interviews with the three finalists on Dec. 15, according to a press release.

The board plans to have the new treasurer under contract by Dec. 31, said Markling.

The new treasurer will replace Rick Berdine, as of Dec. 31, 2012.

The incoming treasurer, who begins work on Aug. 1, 2012, will work closely with the current treasurer to ensure a smooth transition, according to the release.