LORAIN — Lorain Schools has chosen an alumnus as its new treasurer.Dale Weber, a 1974 Admiral King High School graduate, was selected Wednesday by the school board to fill the position vacated by former Treasurer Ryan Ghizzoni late last year.

Weber, 51, had served as the district’s assistant treasurer from 2002 to 2005, and is currently the treasurer and chief financial officer for Olmsted Falls Schools.

“I’m very excited,” Weber said. “It’s always fun to go back home and help out the place where you grew up.”

Jim Smith, Lorain school board president, said Weber beat out four other candidates for the job and was chosen based on his experience in the private sector, as well as the school district.

“He has knowledge of the district and understands the fiscal challenges we have,” Smith said. “He’s a hometown kid, and I know he’s looking forward to the challenge.”

The district’s finances have been strained ever since Ghizzoni noticed a $5 million debt last summer that was expected to grow to more than $15 million this year if drastic cuts weren’t made. More than 240 teachers were laid off as a result, but about 70 have been recalled.

Ghizzoni later took a job with the Fairview Park School District, and Jack Coffman filled in as interim treasurer.

While Weber’s contract still has to be approved, his target start date is June 1, Smith said.

Weber said he’s aware of the district’s fiscal issues but isn’t intimidated.

“Wherever you go you have challenges in any kind of career that you have,” he said. “And every school district will have challenges in funding sometime in its history.”

Contact Stephen Szucs at 329-7129 or sszucs@chroniclet.com. 

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