Gahanna-Jefferson hires Scott Gooding as district's new treasurer

The Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools has hired Westerville resident Scott Gooding as its new treasurer.

The school board approved a three-year contract with Gooding on Jan. 20 that's effective March 1 to replace Mike Verlingo, who resigned Jan. 18.

He will be paid an annual salary of $160,000 plus an option to receive benefits, though benefits details weren't yet available as of Jan. 26.

Gooding, 48, also will serve as a part-time consultant to the district in the coming weeks at a cost of $76.92 per hour.

Judy Hengstebeck, the district's communications coordinator, said the consultant agreement is effective Jan. 21 through Feb. 28 for work performed on behalf of the board. She said his treasurer's contract is effective March 1 through July 31, 2025. 

“We are excited to work with Scott Gooding as our new treasurer,” Superintendent Steve Barrett said. “He brings a wealth of experience in finance and as a school treasurer to our district.”

Gooding recently worked as executive director for budget and financial management at Columbus City Schools.

He worked as director of financial services at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio from 2011 to 2014 and as treasurer of the Westerville City Schools from 2004 to 2011.

“What impresses me the most about Scott is his passion for education,” Barrett said. “Scott is a strong advocate for public education and ensuring that students and teachers have what they need to succeed in the classroom. We are pleased to welcome Scott to our team.”

Gooding said he’s excited to join Gahanna-Jefferson and said he looks forward to hitting the ground running March 1.

“My focus will be to make sure that our fiscal resources are aligned to support our vision of building relationships with students, parents and our community to ensure student learning is our most important investment and priority,” Gooding said, adding that he would strive to ensure every dollar spent is focused on improving student achievement and is aligned to the district’s vision, mission and beliefs.

Gooding received a bachelor’s degree from Otterbein University and a master’s degree for school treasurer/business manager from Ashland University.

mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekMarla