Sam Barna will be the new face of the Finance Department for Oxford Schools beginning Aug. 3 when he takes over as Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations.
The board voted 5-0 to approve his employment. Trustees Kim Shumaker and Joyce Brasington were absent.
‘I am very excited to become part of the Oxford Community,? Barna told this reporter. ‘I am honored that I was chosen to help lead this well respected school district and further enhance the education of our students.?
Barna received his Bachelor’s Degree in finance, as well as his Master’s in Finance and Marketing from Michigan State University. Having worked in a multitude of different industries including a family business in manufacturing, General Motors, DTE Energy, Beaumont Healthcare, Blue Cross Blue Shield and most recently Dearborn Public Schools, Barna brings a ‘diverse experience? to Oxford Schools.
‘All of my professional experience is concentrated in either Finance or Operations. My most recent position as executive director of Business & Operations for Dearborn Public Schools, (the past three years) was extremely diverse and included both legal and construction (bond) projects,? he added. ‘However, my expertise really is concentrated in financial analysis as well as budgeting and forecasting.?
Barna noted that he also brings ‘honesty, integrity, respect, leadership, high energy/enthusiasm, positive attitude and a little humor.? He described Oxford as a ‘great community with a very welcoming, hometown type of feel.?
‘I am really drawn to the district not only due to it’s proximity to my home but also because of its innovative/progressive approach to education and the district’s mission of increasing student achievement by challenging students and preparing them for success in a global society,? he added.
‘Furthermore, I am impressed by the leadership, teachers, and staff that seem to work as a team and I truly believe I will make a positive difference and add value to enhance the district’s mission.?
Barna said he’s looking forward to learning more detail about the district as well as the oxford community and residents.
‘I really look forward to upholding and strengthening the financial integrity of the district while also performing program reviews/audits to determine what value we are returning to our students/community with the programs that Oxford offers,? he said. ‘I also want to assist Oxford Community Schools in becoming more financially stable and growing the general fund balance, which is extremely important to the financial health and well-being of the district.?
Barna lives in Lake Orion along with his wife Monika of 14 years.
‘We are both 42 years old and have known each other since the age of 15,? he noted.
They along with their four children Szofia, 10, Nikolas, 9, Angelica, 7, and Mia, 3, love traveling and the outdoors.
‘As residents of beautiful Northern Oakland County, like many others, we also enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, biking, camping, and are active in several sports,? Barna added. ‘Furthermore, I actually love DIY (Do It Yourself) home improvements and obtain satisfaction from the before and after of a home improvement job that is well-done. I am also a Rotarian and enjoy donating time and resources to helping others.?
According to Superintendent Tim Throne, Barna was selected out of six candidates who were interviewed.
‘I’m looking forward to having him come on board and be apart of the team,? Throne said.