Columbus City Schools picks Tiffin official to be next district treasurer

Columbus City Schools hired a treasurer Monday to manage the finances of the state's largest district.

During a special meeting Monday, the Columbus City school board hired Treasurer Ryan Cook to a three-year contract beginning Aug. 1 and ending in 2027. He will be replacing interim Treasurer Jennifer Vanover, who was filling the role after Stan Bahorek, the district's previous treasurer, retired after nearly a decade at the district, The Dispatch previously reported.

In a statement, Board President Christina Vera noted Cook's "impressive professional accomplishments and qualifications," as well as "his shared vision for student achievement and access."

"He clearly understood how the treasurer's role can advance this vision, emphasizing collaboration with the board, the district, and the community," Vera said.

Cook has more than 20 years of financial experience in school districts and will oversee the district's fiscal operations. He comes from Tiffin City Schools, where he had worked since August 2023. Prior to that, he held financial leadership roles in Ohio districts at Bucyrus City Schools, Cardington-Lincoln Local Schools, Mt. Gilead Exempted Village Schools and Ridgedale Local Schools.

This year, he was awarded the Ohio Association of School Business Officials (OASBO) 2024 Central Region Distinguished Service Award, which the district said is a "testament to Cook's exceptional contributions to the field and his commitment to improving school finance practices."

Cook holds an MBA from Tiffin University and a bachelor's degree from Ohio State University.

Cook said in the release that he was humbled to have been selected for the role. He added that he looked forward "to immersing myself in the community and working with our internal and external stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard."

“Going through the process reinforced the commitment, passion, and desire that I knew the board of education has for the students and community at CCS," Cook said.

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report