After eight years as the chief financial officer/treasurer for Akron Public Schools, Ryan Pendleton has announced that he is leaving the district to become executive director of the North Coast Shared Service Alliance (NCSSA) beginning this September 1.
The NCSSA will help coordinate financial and operations support for northeast Ohio school districts through the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Northeast Ohio, ESC of Medina County, ESC of Lorain County and Summit County ESC.
Pendleton notified the board of education in writing this afternoon. Below is an excerpt from his letter:
It has been a pleasure and privilege to serve Akron Public Schools with such an extraordinary and talented staff. The cohesiveness of not only the finance department but throughout the district to ensure high quality programming for the students of Akron Public Schools is unmatched. I would like to thank the board of education, former Superintendent David W. James, Ed.D., and Superintendent Christine Fowler Mack for their support.
The many changes that have occurred over the last eight years have been remarkable for the students and staff of Akron Public Schools. It has been my honor to be involved in the Personalized Primary Health Care Model, College & Career Academies of Akron (CCAA), the Ohio Facility Construction Commission facility projects, the consolidation of the administration buildings and 1: World technology that helped APS stand out among our peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, I cannot thank the district enough for allowing me to advocate for the Fair School Funding Plan, not only on behalf of Akron Public Schools but also for students across the state of Ohio.
It is with great enthusiasm that I accept the position of executive director of the North Coast Shared Service Alliance (NCSSA) beginning September 1, 2022. The NCSSA will help coordinate financial and operations support for northeast Ohio school districts through the Educational Service Centers of Northeast Ohio, Medina, Lorain and Summit counties.
I will work closely with the board and superintendent to outline a transition plan, and I will continue to proudly serve Akron Public Schools in the interim.
Board President N. J. Akbar, Ph.D., shared, “It is with very mixed emotions that we have learned of Ryan’s acceptance of a wonderful career opportunity. This new position will elevate his ability to share more directly his incredible talent. The board has enjoyed a particularly strong relationship for eight years with Ryan as our treasurer. The relationship has been built on mutual respect, accountability, and a deep care for our district and community. Ryan’s skills, talents and experience have served not only this district well but also the entire state. For board members, we come from all occupations and walks of life with an intense passion for helping our youth and our community. Being a financial professional is not a requirement to serve, but service requires a great level of fiduciary responsibility for the district.”
Akbar continued, “Ryan has continued to make our finances and understanding our financial picture more accessible to everyday Akron citizens and board members alike. For this, on behalf of the board, we thank you, Ryan, for your exceptional service to our district and our state. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors and we are confident that you will be just as successful in your new role.”
Akron Public Schools Board of Education will consider Pendleton’s resignation officially as a matter of business at its next meeting. At this meeting, the board and Pendleton will begin to work through a transition plan and mutually agree on a last day. The board will announce its next steps and the specifics of a transition as they become available. The board remains committed to transparency and keeping the community informed throughout this process.