Cheri Rosenblatt’s position as an Assistant Superintendent for Business, Facilities, and Operations is a far cry from what she imagined she would be doing when she graduated from college with an accounting degree. She is now responsible for transportation, food services, facilities, and budget for the 2,300-student Ardsley School District in Westchester County, NY.
How did you get to where you are now?
I had worked for IBM for most of my career in an accounting or tax function and began to look for something more meaningful. I had some interest in the public sector but wasn’t sure what. Then I learned about the School District Business Leaders (SDBL) certification through PACE University and started that program. It is a remote program so I could do it from home, while I was still working. I needed to have work experience in a school district to get my certification, so I transitioned to a Treasurer position in the Pawling School District in Dutchess County and shortly after getting my SDBL moved to my current school district as Treasurer. The move to Assistant Superintendent for Business was a natural move from there.
Do you think your career path was optimal for someone in your position?
If I were to start over, I would have started in education right away, but it is not an area that you are exposed to in accounting school. They don’t come to recruit for it. Coming in later, as I did, I have had to immerse myself in education to really understand what drives the budgetary needs. I read a lot and speak to many educators. It is a Catch-22 for business officials: you would appreciate a background as an educator but you need the finance qualifications.
What do you most enjoy about your job?
Every day is different and it is always a challenge. It is like solving a problem for something good … benefiting children. It’s so rewarding and meaningful.
What do you think is the greatest challenge facing school administrators today?
There are so many varying needs. Many school districts have a growing ELL (English Language Learner) population, a range of special education students with different requirements, school safety issues, social media, and technology. There is so much!
What advice would you give to a high school or college student looking at career options?
They should understand that there are always options no matter where you start. You are not done once you pick a lane and you should always feel open to pursue other avenues.
