While I do not have prior work history as a school finance manager, I am fortunate to have a substantial network of colleagues around the state whom I could call upon for support if needed. I am excited to learn those systems, and to work with the other members of the finance and leadership teams to identify opportunities to strengthen and improve them. Thanks to Rebecca Goulet’s years of dedicated service and leadership at WSD, I know there are strong systems and procedures in place to ensure WSD’s resources are protected and well-managed. While I believe my experience at the state level regarding education finance and policy will be useful in terms of understanding the fiscal pressures and policies that WSD will have to navigate, I am most excited about developing and applying my skills “in the real world” of a school district. Are you excited about learning certain aspects of your new role? How are you handling the transition? You clearly have impressive leadership experience understanding and explaining Vermont’s education funding system but this will be the first time you manage day-to-day school district financial operations. I also developed substantial technical expertise in special education funding, and familiarity with the various state and federal grant programs that school districts are accountable to. In my work delivering training and support to school board members, I developed an ability to translate Vermont’s extremely complicated system to school board members and communities, so that they understood how decisions at the local level regarding budgets and investments translate into statewide and local tax rate impacts.

Understanding Vermont’s education funding and finance system was also a big piece of my job at the VSBA.

Providing strong fiscal oversight and budget management was a key focus of my work as Executive Director. I oversaw all aspects of the organization – finance, policy, personnel, member services, and advocacy – while reporting to a 23-member board of directors and managing a staff of four and more than a dozen consultants serving approximately 1,400 school board members across the state. Most recently, I had the pleasure of serving the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA). I started out as an Instructional Assistant at Essex High School in 1999, and since then have worked in a variety of different roles in public education and human services. I have spent my career dedicated to the firm belief that all Vermont students should have access to high quality educational opportunities that will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need for success in career, citizenship, and life. We asked Nicole a few questions so we could all get to know her better. Nicole will be filling the vacant position left by Rebecca Goulet, who served the WSD with integrity and persistence for more than two decades. “I have known Nicole for several years and admired her ability to analyze complex educational challenges in a clear, collaborative manner with an eye on student-centered results.” “We are very excited and fortunate to welcome Nicole into the WSD team! She brings proven leadership, vision and financial skills to our organization combined with a deep understanding of the Winooski schools and the broader community,” said WSD Superintendent Sean McMannon. Throughout her career she has proved herself as a tireless advocate for equity through sound public policy. Nicole served on the Winooski City Council for four years and was briefly mayor. Nicole is a long-time Winooski resident, and her daughter, Olive, attends JFK Elementary. “I knew I wouldn’t have another opportunity like this, to be part of such a wonderful team,” said Nicole. While she was looking forward to practicing law, when the finance manager position opened up, she felt she had to apply. Last year she left her position with the VSBA to practice law with a private firm that represents school districts in Vermont. Nicole worked for eight years at the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA), first as the General Counsel and then as Executive Director. Nicole Mace will be joining the Winooski School District (WSD) as Finance Manager.

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