Richard Waldo, who resigned from the same post four years ago, received his appointment papers from Commissioner of Education Rita A. Sablan yesterday.
Waldo’s contract is for two years.
A former educator and school administrator, Waldo was first hired as PSS finance director in 2002. He resigned four years later to teach finance at Northern Marianas College.
With his return to the school system, his expertise will address three key areas: 1) meeting PSS audit requirements; 2) financial plan implemented, and 3) maintain a solution-oriented finance division.
“With his selection, we expect efficiency and effectiveness of operation of our finance division thereby responding to our teachers, students, clients, vendors and contractors needs,” Sablan said.
Waldo wants to see a better trained workforce as part of his plans for the school system’s finance department.
He said he will institute a paperless workplace by maximizing the use of available technology.
Waldo was chosen over former Northern Marianas College president Carmen Fernandez who also applied for the position that has been vacant since 2008.
Lori Grizzard headed the division in an acting capacity.
She now returns to her old position as internal auditor.
Waldo is a U.S. certified public accountant with a degree in political science and an MBA from UCLA.
Waldo said there is a need to “keep track of the flow” of the school system’s fiscal state but without jeopardizing the services it provides to the community.
PSS is the only government entity developing a five-year financial management plan.
Waldo will be working directly with consultant Ed Tenorio and federal programs officer Tim Thornburgh in the realization and implementation of the plan.
