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DeSoto schools hire Manuel Marcano as finance director; superintendent outlines budget priorities and new school timeline
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Bennett introduced Manuel Marcano as the districts new finance director and said the district is taking proactive steps to protect fund balance; officials also reported progress at the new high school and community visits, with an estimated completion around Christmas.
Dr. Bennett introduced Manuel Marcano as the DeSoto County School Districts new finance director and described Marcano's experience in school finance and public-sector accounting, including work with Sarasota County Schools and the State of Florida Auditor General's Office.
"Manuel brings extensive experience in school finance and public sector accounting," Dr. Bennett said. Marcano, who the superintendent said previously helped implement Skyward Q financial systems, thanked the board and staff: "I'm really excited to be here. Everybody's been amazing, very welcoming." He told the board his priorities include improving efficiency while maintaining compliance.
Dr. Bennett used the hiring announcement to frame the district's fiscal stance. He said several Florida districts are under acute financial strain and warned DeSoto is taking proactive steps to avoid a similar outcome: "We have two school districts right now that are below 2% fund balance. Not only below 2% fund balance, they're at minus 9%, and that's Glades and Union County." He said the district is focused on ensuring employees are paid on time and preserving financial stability.
The superintendent also reported progress on the new high school project, saying visiting teams from Lee County, Sarasota County and Hardee County were "blown away" by the work and that the district plans an August 4 celebration and expects the building to be finished around Christmas or shortly thereafter. Dr. Bennett named community outreach with local foundations and staff (naming Jake) as part of the district's support efforts for projects and programs.
Dr. Bennett also noted program updates including strong sign-ups for a Space Academy for sixth graders and that VPK will be available at every elementary campus next year.
The board received the personnel and project updates; no formal board vote on the finance hire was recorded in the transcript at this meeting.
