Oxford Community Schools is proud to introduce Pamela Anstey as the new Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance.
Anstey began her career in accounting and held numerous financial managerial positions in the private sector, but 20 years ago got involved working in schools both in Michigan in 1992 and then Tennessee. She moved to Tennessee in 2006 where she was the Chief Financial Officer for Memphis City Schools, until accepting the position here in Oxford.
‘I am happy to be back in Michigan,? she said.
Anstey has a husband of 36 years, Brian, and two grown children. Their son lives in Boston and is a consultant and their daughter is currently getting her PHD (doctorate) at Michigan State University.
Looking at the school district, Anstey said it appears to be in good shape and she wants to help keep it that way.
‘Maybe look at different service models and still provide the same services for a little lower cost, but look at more cost effective ways to keep them on that track and going in that direction,? she said. ‘It’s exciting because this is a whole flip of what I am used to.?
Having come from a school district of 200 schools where they were a billion dollar corporation, and the ‘second largest employer? in the state, Anstey was used to seeing large school districts having to make huge cuts because they can’t sustain the level of funding they need,
‘I’ve already been through cut, cut, cut, but it’s refreshing to see that’s not methodology or the way they approach that (here). They don’t want to look at (a budget) as cutting, but what can we do to generate more revenue and attract more children to increase our funding,? she said. I look forward to supporting (Superintendent) Dr. William Skilling and the board in their goal of maintaining financial stability, academic excellence and the new exciting one of cultivating this international environment where students become global citizens.?
In addition to Michigan and Tennesse, Anstey said in her earlier years she also lived in Singapore, Hong Kong and has made numerous trips to China.
‘So I am excited and interested in Oxford’s investment with China and hope I can lend my expertise and knowledge to that exchange project,? she said. ‘I think they have their plate full and it will be good to support them in that. I am hoping I can draw from all of my previous expertise and give back.?