James Larson-Shidler
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, United States
Professional Overview
James Larson-Shidler is an accomplished finance and operations executive with over 30 years of experience in the education sector. As the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Wayne-Westland Community Schools, he oversees the district's financial management, strategic planning, and operational efficiency.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the CFO/COO of Wayne-Westland Community Schools since 2011, James is responsible for the district's financial management, including budgeting, accounting, and compliance. He also oversees the district's operational functions, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of educational services. Under his leadership, the district has achieved financial stability and implemented cost-saving measures, enabling the school system to allocate more resources towards student programs and teacher development.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, James served as the Assistant Superintendent at Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, where he played a key role in improving the district's financial performance and operational effectiveness. He also held positions as the Deputy CFO at Cleveland Municipal School District and the Assistant to the Treasurer at Toledo Public Schools, where he gained extensive experience in public school finance and administration.
Earlier in his career, James worked as a Treasurer/Accountant at various Ohio schools and as a Supervisor in the private industry. He also spent several years as a Senior Auditor at Deloitte & Touche, where he honed his expertise in financial reporting and compliance.
Academic Background
James holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Toledo and a Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).
Areas of Expertise
- Public school finance and budgeting
- Strategic financial planning and analysis
- Operational optimization and cost management
- Compliance and reporting
- Stakeholder engagement and communication
- Leadership and team management
Professional Impact
Under James' financial stewardship, Wayne-Westland Community Schools has achieved a solid financial position, with a balanced budget and healthy fund reserves. He has implemented numerous cost-saving initiatives, such as energy efficiency projects and vendor contract renegotiations, which have resulted in significant cost savings for the district. Additionally, James has played a pivotal role in securing grant funding and securing alternative revenue streams to support the district's educational programs and initiatives.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in public school finance and operations, James Larson-Shidler is a valuable asset to Wayne-Westland Community Schools. His strategic leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to operational excellence have contributed to the district's continued success and its ability to provide high-quality educational opportunities for its students.
