U-46's CFO speaks about leaving for Harper
Elgin Area School District U-46's Tuesday afternoon announcement that Chief Financial Officer Ron Ally would be leaving likely raised the blood pressure of many.
He is the second finance chief to leave the financially troubled district in less than a year.
Next year alone, U-46 predicts a $44 million deficit, and just shy of $30 million in cuts have been made to keep afloat. The 2010-11 budget is now being prepared, and the teachers union contract - upon which millions in potential budget cuts hinge - is now being negotiated.
For the first time since Tuesday, Ally broke his silence about the reasons behind his departure for Harper College in Palatine, and what is in store for U-46 over the next few months.
Q. What was behind the decision to leave?A. Ally, who came to the district last August from McHenry County College, said "I've been looking at Harper for a long, long time. So I was thrilled when I saw that a position was opening up. I wasn't necessarily looking to leave U-46."Q. Had you applied anywhere else?A. "No. What I told the Harper folks in my interview was that I've spent 17 years in community colleges." Besides MCC, Ally has held financial positions at the College of DuPage and Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills. "There were three other community college CFO positions available this spring," Ally said. "I didn't apply for any of those."Q. When did you interview?A. "They actually moved very quickly. I don't know the exact dates. There were two rounds, and I know the second round was toward the end of March."Q. Harper's position has been vacant for several months, but you won't leave U-46 until July 1. Was that purposeful?A. Yes, Ally said. The district is now in the middle of preparing next year's budget. "I don't want to leave them in a lurch here. I also wanted to give them appropriate time to do a search and hire a replacement."Q. You recently announced nearly $30 million in cuts to next year's budget. Some individuals have criticized that as too draconian. What do you say to that?A. Our original projection showed a $15 million deficit next year (and a total deficit of $53.5 million). With $30 million in cuts, there would be $15 million going toward the overall deficit reduction. My concern is with the state budget, we're not sure where funding cuts are going to end up."Q. What's been the toughest part of your job at U-46?A. "Just dealing with the budget situation. And trying to learn this district. It's a very large, very complex district. Trying to get your arms and head around everything. I think most of the day-to-day stuff you learn pretty quickly. It takes a year to go through an entire budget cycle."Q. What advice do you give to the next CFO?A. "Continue to get their hands around this budget. Make sure it stays under control. Don't let the deficit get any deeper. Work it down until it's eliminated."