Ozarks Profile: Brenda Rantz

Tell us about your employer.

Nixa School District is one of the fastest growing schools in Missouri, and is recognized for excellence and innovation throughout the state. What is perhaps the most complementary is the district has done this within the parameters of a modest per pupil expenditure when compared to other districts throughout the state. The district has partnered with local government entities, officials and businesses providing a strong community steeped in tradition that is "Continuing a Legacy of Learning" the district's theme for the coming school year.

Specifically, what is your job?

My position involves working with and assisting the board of education and superintendent; preparing and implementing a $30-million plus budget; overseeing the accounting procedures of the district; and preparation of state financial reports, tax rates and investments.

Tell us about the award you recently received.

I won the 2003 Missouri Association of School Business Official of the Year Award. This award is a peer recognition program established by Missouri Association of School Business Officials to acknowledge its members who demonstrate excellence in service to their school district, community and profession.

I have been fortunate to work with a very supportive board of education for more than 19 years. They have the students' best interest at heart and it is reflected in all that Nixa schools represent. In addition, four wonderful superintendents with almost 100 years of combined experience have shared a vast world of knowledge with me. I've just been lucky enough to be here and be a part of it all.

How did you choose this career?

Being in the school business profession makes this a little ironic, but my accounting and typing teacher was an important reason for my career choice. I had a natural love for this type of work, but Shirley McCullough, who taught at Nixa High School, was the model of professionalism and was an inspiration to me. Every day teachers make a profound impact on the lives of students.

What are the challenges in your work?

The current state financial crisis is having a severe impact on school districts throughout the state, including Nixa. This, coupled with educational mandates and the small amount of actual local control districts have over their money, makes it very difficult to accomplish all that we would like to. We just can't stretch the dollar far enough.

Tell us about your family.

I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Jim, for 30 years. I even have a piece of the old granite chalk board framed in my office on which we had carved our names almost 32 years ago little did I know I would end up working where I had defaced property. We have a son, Zachary, who graduated from Drury College. He is a high school English teacher and the state of Missouri's Students Against Drunk Driving director. At the time he was appointed as director, he was the youngest in the nation and probably still is at age 23. I'm a very proud mom.

What are your spare-time pursuits?

I am an avid reader and a master-gardener wannabe. I also work with children age kindergarten through second grade in the Awana program.