Springfield Public Schools hires new financial officer

Springfield Public Schools has hired a Kansas City-area school district executive to take over as chief financial and operations officer.

Effective July 1, Carol Embree moves into the Springfield position to succeed Steve Chodes, who accepted a job as chief financial officer for EducationPlus in the St. Louis area. For the 2014-15 academic year, Embree agreed to a salary of $146,337, according to a news release.

Embree has held the same position for Liberty Public Schools since 2007 and worked for the district for 11 years, according to the school system's website.

The new top executive will report directly to John Jungmann, who takes over as SPS superintendent July 1 for outgoing Norm Ridder. Jungmann also comes to Springfield from the Liberty Public Schools district, where he led as superintendent.

"Carol brings with her a wealth of experience in the field of public school finance," Jungmann said in the release. "I am confident that her leadership and financial expertise will serve us well at SPS as we maintain our focus on students."

At SPS, Embree will be tasked with financial and business services, including the district's budget, finances and accounting, transportation, facilities, custodial and food services.

Her employment with SPS awaits final approval by the school board.[[In-content Ad]]