Kirtland Local Schools entered a shared services contract with Perry Local Schools to share the services of a Treasurer.
Lew Galante, chief financial officer for Perry and Fairport Harbor Exempted Village School District, will share his time with Kirtland. Galante replaces Treasurer Daniel L. Wilson, whose services Kirtland previously shared with Mentor Local Schools.

Kirtland Superintendent Bill Wade said the agreement continues good stewardship between the two districts, which also share the services of a transportation director and a buildings and grounds supervisor.

“This is a continuation of shared services that are mutually beneficial to both districts,” Wade said. “I’ve had the chance to work with Lew in a variety of capacities over the past several years and am impressed by his professionalism and knowledge of schools and school finance. I’m excited to have him as a member of our team as we move our schools forward in a positive direction.”

Galante has been with Perry Schools since 2005. Prior to that he served as treasurer for Garfield Heights City Schools and the Wellington Exempted Village Board of Education in Lorain. He also was a financial liaison for the Lake-Geauga Computer Association and assistant to the treasurer for West Geauga Local Schools.

“Kirtland Schools have a reputation of excellence and I am honored to be part of the district,” Galante said. “I hope that I can contribute to the districts by providing transparent financials to the Kirtland, Perry and Fairport Harbor communities. 

“I also believe this is a great opportunity to provide fiscal savings to each of the districts that I serve. Sharing any and all services possible saves money and drives those savings into the classroom, helping us provide a better education.”