TCS treasurer resigns

TIFFIN — Tiffin City School Treasurer Ryan Cook formally resigned Monday afternoon after serving the district just over a year. According to his resignation letter, Cook is resigning at the end of his contract, July 31, because he was selected as the new treasurer for Columbus City Schools. His new role was approved by Columbus City Schools' Board of Education Monday morning during a special meeting. "I was approached about applying for Columbus City Schools, and the opportunity at Columbus City Schools is one that I found exciting personally and professionally," he told the A-T. "Columbus City Schools has over 46,000 students, 9,000 employees and a budget of one billion dollars. The opportunity to be able to advocate with leaders at all levels for education at Columbus is very exciting to me; and I am humbled to have been selected." Cook said he will miss the people of Tiffin City Schools, particularly the Board of Education. "I can't say enough about how great Tiffin's Board of Education is. They are extremely dedicated and supportive of the staff and focused on making Tiffin better. They are the engine that just continuously pushes employees to be better. When you look at the people at TCS, it is just a phenomenal group - everyone cares, and it shows." When it comes to the next phase in his career, which starts Aug. 1, Cook said he looks forward to "building relationships and advocating for education." He also looks forward to working with the district's board of education and administrative team. "I would like to add that Tiffin City Schools is larger than any one person," Cook concluded. "There are great people at Tiffin, and that administrative team of Jerry (Nadeau), Bob (Boes) and Michelle (Tuite) will continue to move the district forward and have a positive impact on students. I cannot wait to see what they accomplish over the coming years! I wish everyone continued success!" He came to TCS after serving as the chief financial officer and director of operations at Bucyrus City Schools for 10 years. Cook replaced longtime treasurer Sharon Perry following her retirement last year. Board president responds Tiffin City Schools' Board of Education president Dustin Williams told the A-T that Cook had informed the board that he had accepted the position and expected his resignation Monday. "The Board has not yet met to discuss plans for a replacement, but we have met with Mr. Cook in executive session at the June Board meeting regarding his potential departure," Williams said. "At that session we did discuss some possibilities and are intending to meet in the very near future to solidify plans. Operation of the district should not be impacted during this transition period, as the Treasurer's office is heavily driven through policy and state law." He explained that the board has "several" options to explore for a new treasurer. If the board chooses to perform a search, the district is looking at a cost of up to $10,000. "Any new treasurer may bring some new philosophy and mindset to the office, just as Mr. Cook did in the past year, but that would all be in support of the overall direction for the district set by the Superintendent and the Board," Williams concluded. "We will work with Mr. Cook in the coming month to make sure any transition plans are in place during." The board canceled its July meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at Tiffin Middle School, 103 Shepherd Drive.