The Nordonia Hills Board of Education launched a search last week to replace Matt Brown who will be leaving in July.
“The search is pretty much starting right away,” Nordonia Hills Board of Education President Chad Lahrmer said on March 16.
The Board hired Finding Leaders of Sagamore Hills to assist in the treasurer search, Lahrmer said. The Sagamore Hills group also was used two years ago in the search that brought Brown to Nordonia Hills.
The Board hopes to begin transitioning from Brown to a replacement as soon as possible, Lahrmer said.
“Matt’s been great. We are very sorry to see him go,” Larhmer said. “We think he is a fantastic treasurer. He just got an opportunity at Beachwood that he couldn’t refuse.”
The opportunity was a three-year contract. Brown will earn $158,500 a year. The contract was unanimously approved by the Beachwood Board of Education during a regularly scheduled Board meeting on March 13.
Brown’s base salary with Nordonia was $126,250 per year.
Lahrmer said the Board understood Brown’s decision.
“But we are extremely disappointed,” Lahrmer said. “We do think he will be hard to replace. He was great.”
Brown applied for the Beachwood position on February 21, he said.
“I was not actively pursuing a change in districts,” Brown said. “However, this opportunity presented itself and therefore I wanted to explore further.”
Brown will finish out his current contract year which runs through July 31.
The Nordonia Hills Board of Education voted to accept Brown’s resignation at its March 20 meeting.
“The Board and I are sad to see him go, even though we understand that this is a great career move for him,” Nordonia Superintendent Dr. Joe Clark said. “Matt has been an all-star, award-winning treasurer in his brief time here.”
Brown said he will miss his district coworkers.
“I have made some great relationships in my short time at Nordonia Hills and will miss those the most,”
Brown said, “The advancements we have made in the treasurer’s office are a source of great pride and I am confident that those will continue as the Board brings in my successor.”
Brown also praised the district.
“Nordonia Hills City School District is fortunate to have a great team made up of teachers, support staff, and administration all working together to provide its students an excellent education and experience every day,” Brown added.
Brown was one of eight applicants for the Beachwood position, according to Lauren Meade, director of communications with Beachwood City Schools.
The Board interviewed seven of the candidates and invited four finalists to participate in community and staff input sessions, according to Meade.
“During these input sessions, community and staff members asked the finalists questions and provided feedback to the Board on anonymous comment cards,” Meade added.
Beachwood Board of Education President Megan Walsh sent a message to district parents praising Brown.
“Mr. Brown’s experience, professionalism, and demeanor are the best fit for Beachwood,” according to the message. “He brings a wealth of experience in school finance that will ensure a smooth transition in the treasurer’s office.”
Brown also was welcomed by Beachwood Superintendent Robert Hardis.
“I’m excited to partner with you and serve this amazing community with the integrity, respect, and fiscal conservatism that it deserves,” Hardis said.
Brown will replace Michele Mills who will retire in July after 35 years.
