FCS settles contract dispute with past treasurer

The Findlay City Schools Board of Education voted in special session Tuesday to settle a contract dispute with Mike Barnhart, former district treasurer, about payments due him after he left the district. The board voted 5-0 to settle the dispute, agreeing to make a series of payments to Barnhart totaling about $24,730, including: $17,500 paid to Barnhart's Ohio Deferred Compensation plan; $5,500 paid to his 403(b) account; and $1,730 in a bank deposit. In the settlement, Barnhart agreed that he is not entitled to any other payments or compensation from the board. Barnhart, who served as the district's treasurer for 15 years, resigned in November after accepting the same position with Sheffield-Sheffield Lake City Schools in Lorain County. His resignation became effective Dec. 5. Jude Hammond is currently serving as interim treasurer for Findlay City Schools. He was first hired as a financial consultant by the school board in October. The board interviewed three finalists for the treasurer's position on March 24. On Wednesday, Superintendent Troy Roth said no decision has been made. Finalists include: Lori Davis, treasurer of the Wayne Trace School District; Brad Deleruyelle, treasurer of the Pandora-Gilboa School District; and Sean Swisher, assistant treasurer for Findlay City Schools. Davis has served as treasurer at Wayne Trace Schools, Haviland, since 2015. She holds an associate degree in higher accounting from the University of Northwest Ohio, Lima. Deleruyelle has served as treasurer of Pandora-Gilboa Schools since 2007. He holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Findlay and a bachelor's degree in accounting and management from the University of Toledo. Swisher has served as an assistant treasurer for Findlay City Schools since 2017. He holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Findlay and a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Cincinnati.