Certified - Administrative - School District Business Leader (SDBL)
Start Date
Open Date 10/29/2026
Closing Date 11/30/2026
Cassadaga Valley Central School District is seeking a strategic, collaborative
School District Business Leader (SDBL) to serve as a key partner to the Superintendent and Board of Education. We seek a leader who brings sound financial judgment, clear communication, and the ability to align district resources with extraordinary student growth.
Located in Chautauqua County in Western New York, Cassadaga Valley serves a rural educational community with deep roots, strong community pride, and ambitious expectations for our students. Our vision is to provide a safe and effective learning environment that prepares students to become life-ready leaders of tomorrow.
Our
Thrive by 25 initiative gives that vision a concrete purpose: preparing students to be enrolled, enlisted, employed in work that supports financial independence, or pursuing entrepreneurship. The business leader plays a critical role in building the financial foundation that makes those opportunities possible.
Why This Role Stands OutYour financial leadership will help advance:
- Academic Growth and Student Opportunity: Align resources with district priorities in literacy, mathematics, career exploration, and meaningful learning experiences.
- Student Support and Engagement: Sustain investments that strengthen attendance, student wellness, leadership, and participation.
- Long-Term Financial Stability: Develop practical financial plans that anticipate challenges, protect essential programs, and support responsible investment in facilities and operations.
- Community Trust: Provide transparent financial information that helps the Board, staff, and community understand district decisions and their impact on students.
A supported transition: The anticipated hiring window between April 1 and June 1, 2027 includes a planned overlap with the district's current Interim SDBL, providing an opportunity for knowledge transfer, relationship building, and participation in budget development.
Interested applicants: Must possess a valid New York State School District Business Leader (SDBL) certificate (or be eligible for certification) or meet the qualifications for the applicable Civil Service title, as determined by Chautauqua County Civil Service.
Salary: $95,000 to $115,000 plus benefits and New York State Pension; commensurate with experience and title.
Hours: Full-time, 12-month position. Regular business hours with additional time as needed to attend Board of Education meetings, budget presentations, and district events.
Other Benefits: Health & Dental insurance plans, paid leave time, vacation, and other contractual benefits.
Core Competencies/Abilities:- Strategic Fiscal Leadership: Lead annual budget development, administration, and monitoring; prepare multiyear financial projections; and align financial recommendations with district goals.
- Business Office Management: Oversee accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable and receivable, employee benefits, cash management, and financial reporting.
- State Aid and Compliance: Accurately forecast and monitor state aid; complete required financial reports; and ensure compliance with applicable laws, NYSED requirements, Comptroller guidance, and Board policies.
- Internal Controls and Accountability: Maintain effective financial controls, coordinate audits, address findings, and safeguard district assets.
- Capital and Debt Planning: Support capital-project financing, reserve planning, borrowing, debt management, and long-term facilities investment.
- Operational Partnership: Work collaboratively with facilities, transportation, and food service leaders to strengthen service quality, efficiency, and financial sustainability, and directly supervise the Director of Food Service and Director of Transportation.
- Labor Relations: Provide financial analysis, cost projections, and support for collective bargaining and contract administration.
- Board and Community Communication: Present accurate, accessible financial information and explain the opportunities, risks, and tradeoffs associated with district decisions.
- Team Leadership: Develop business-office staff, strengthen procedures, and use technology to improve accuracy, efficiency, and service.
Routine Expectations:The work is performed under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Schools and requires the exercise of sound professional judgment and independent decision-making in the administration of the district's business operations.
Oversees the financial operations of the school district, including budget development, long-range financial planning, accounting, payroll, purchasing, accounts payable, and cash management;
Assists the Superintendent and Board of Education in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual school budget;
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and auditing standards;
Oversees internal and external audits and implements recommendations as appropriate;
Develops and administers purchasing procedures, competitive bidding, and contract management in accordance with General Municipal Law and district policy;
Prepares required financial reports and state aid submissions;
Advises the Superintendent and Board of Education on financial matters, fiscal policies, and long-term planning;
Oversees risk management, insurance programs, and debt service activities, as assigned;
Works collaboratively with district administrators to support instructional programs through effective fiscal management;
Develops and implements business office procedures to improve efficiency and internal controls;
Maintains positive working relationships with staff, legal counsel, governmental agencies, auditors, vendors, and community stakeholders;
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications- Valid New York State School District Business Leader (SDBL) certification by the date of appointment.
- Successful experience in school business administration preferred.
- Strong knowledge of school finance, fund accounting, budget development, state aid forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Knowledge of cash management, reserves, debt management, investments, purchasing, and competitive bidding.
- Working knowledge of the NYS Uniform System of Accounts and required financial reports, including the ST-3 and state aid claims.
- Understanding of payroll, employee benefits, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable wage and hour requirements.
- Experience establishing internal controls, supporting audits, and implementing corrective actions.
- Proficiency with financial management systems, spreadsheets, and data analysis.
- Ability to explain complex financial information clearly to varied audiences.
- An approachable, collaborative leadership style marked by integrity, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to student success.
Job Attachment View Attachment
Itinerant Location Cassadaga Valley Middle/High School
Salary: From 95000.00
Salary: To 115000.00
Salary Competitive Y
Appointment Status Permanent
Position Status Full time
Start Date 4/1/27 to 6/1/27
Required Certification Type School Business Admin {1040}, School District Business Leader {1016}
Contact Person's Name Melissa Wilson
Contact Person's Title District Clerk
Contact Person's Phone 7169625155
Contact Person's Email mwilson@cvcougars.org
Job Posting Link https://www.cvcougars.org/page/employment-opportunities
