STELLMACHER NAMED WASBO SCHOOL BUSINESS MANAGER OF THE YEAR
Kettle Moraine School District CFO John Stellmacher was awarded Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO) 2024 School Business Manager of the Year today at their State Convention. The ceremony, held at the Milwaukee Hilton’s Empire Room, drew school superintendents and business managers from across the state.
A former WASBO President, and critical advocate for educational funding, Stellmacher has been a leader in Wisconsin education. Stellmacher is a frequent presenter at both WASBO and WASB conferences. He mentors countless business managers and provides instrumental support to the Southeast Wisconsin Schools Alliance (SWSA), advising on fiscal solvency and providing quality education efficiently.
John Stellmacher sharing his award with KM Business Services team members Jeremy Struss and Jenny Godin.
“I think this award is a reflection of the collaborative nature of both our profession and specifically our district,” John explained. “As I look back on my nearly 20 year career, I am grateful to be in a position where I can be an advocate for education and for kids. It’s been my dream job, and although the financial aspects of my role are the essential function, I always think of myself as representing education first. Any financial decision we’re making needs to be viewed through the lens of the student.”
“Financial transparency in education is more important now than it’s ever been. Statewide, we are having conversations about how Wisconsin prioritizes, or doesn’t prioritize, education. Locally, in order to secure the resources we need in education, we are having to lean on taxpayers who are also voters. They want to know that the district is making good use of the resources we already have. Taxpayers will support quality, but they need to understand and see that vision.”
CFO, John Stellmacher being awarded the distinction of WASBO School Business Manager of the Year.
Superintendent Dr. Steve Plum added, "John is a diligent fiscal agent with a kind heart, a perfect combination for effective and efficient business management."
“There’s no training manual for this position,” John concluded, “but the people who are successful know it is a culmination of a lot of people taking time to mentor you along the way. The work that I’ve been able to do has only been possible because of the many people who do that work with me.”