Finance
He Spent 13 Years Teaching Math. Now He's In Charge of the Entire School Budget.
The Western Staff
BRIDGEPORT – In a move that has the community buzzing, the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District has handed the keys to its financial kingdom to one of its own—and his identity is a familiar and trusted one.
The person now tasked with overseeing the district's budget isn't a newcomer, but a beloved educator who has spent the last 13 years teaching math to Bridgeport's middle and high school students.
During a special meeting on July 21, the Board of Education officially approved David Nelson for the position of assistant treasurer. This appointment is the first step in a strategic plan that will see Nelson mentored by an interim treasurer, provided by the East Central Ohio Educational Service Center. This mentorship is designed to prepare him to fully assume the crucial role of treasurer for the district.
While some might see the leap from classroom to central office as a significant one, Nelson is uniquely prepared for the challenge. His qualifications extend far beyond his expertise with numbers in a math class. As an active and engaged member of the district's insurance committee, he gained invaluable, firsthand knowledge of Bridgeport schools’ complex financial landscape. This experience gave him a deep understanding of the district's fiscal operations, making him the ideal candidate to navigate its future.
Visibly moved by the appointment, Nelson expressed his profound gratitude to the board for their faith in his abilities.
"I am honored and truly humbled in the confidence you have in me," Nelson stated during the meeting. "I’ve seen firsthand the dedication, teamwork and love that goes into making this district great. More than a place of employment, it has been a home for my family and I."
Nelson's promotion represents a powerful endorsement of internal talent and a commitment to leaders who embody the 'Bulldog spirit.' As Bridgeport looks ahead, its finances will be in the hands of a leader who not only knows the numbers but also knows the people, values, and culture that make the district a home.
