Nicole Mace will be joining the Winooski School District (WSD) as Finance Manager. Her first day is Monday, May 4.
Nicole worked for eight years at the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA), first as the General Counsel and then as Executive Director. Last year she left her position with the VSBA to practice law with a private firm that represents school districts in Vermont. While she was looking forward to practicing law, when the finance manager position opened up, she felt she had to apply.
“I knew I wouldn’t have another opportunity like this, to be part of such a wonderful team,” said Nicole. “So I went for it.”
Nicole is a long-time Winooski resident, and her daughter, Olive, attends JFK Elementary. Nicole served on the Winooski City Council for four years and was briefly mayor. Throughout her career she has proved herself as a tireless advocate for equity through sound public policy.
“We are very excited and fortunate to welcome Nicole into the WSD team! She brings proven leadership, vision and financial skills to our organization combined with a deep understanding of the Winooski schools and the broader community,” said WSD Superintendent Sean McMannon. “I have known Nicole for several years and admired her ability to analyze complex educational challenges in a clear, collaborative manner with an eye on student-centered results.”
Nicole will be filling the vacant position left by Rebecca Goulet, who served the WSD with integrity and persistence for more than two decades. We asked Nicole a few questions so we could all get to know her better.
What did you do before you came to WSD?
I have spent my career dedicated to the firm belief that all Vermont students should have access to high quality educational opportunities that will equip them with the knowledge and skills they need for success in career, citizenship, and life. I started out as an Instructional Assistant at Essex High School in 1999, and since then have worked in a variety of different roles in public education and human services.
Most recently, I had the pleasure of serving the Vermont School Boards Association (VSBA). I oversaw all aspects of the organization – finance, policy, personnel, member services, and advocacy – while reporting to a 23-member board of directors and managing a staff of four and more than a dozen consultants serving approximately 1,400 school board members across the state.
Providing strong fiscal oversight and budget management was a key focus of my work as Executive Director. Understanding Vermont’s education funding and finance system was also a big piece of my job at the VSBA. In my work delivering training and support to school board members, I developed an ability to translate Vermont’s extremely complicated system to school board members and communities, so that they understood how decisions at the local level regarding budgets and investments translate into statewide and local tax rate impacts. I also developed substantial technical expertise in special education funding, and familiarity with the various state and federal grant programs that school districts are accountable to.
You clearly have impressive leadership experience understanding and explaining Vermont’s education funding system but this will be the first time you manage day-to-day school district financial operations. Are you excited about learning certain aspects of your new role? How are you handling the transition?
While I believe my experience at the state level regarding education finance and policy will be useful in terms of understanding the fiscal pressures and policies that WSD will have to navigate, I am most excited about developing and applying my skills “in the real world” of a school district. Thanks to Rebecca Goulet’s years of dedicated service and leadership at WSD, I know there are strong systems and procedures in place to ensure WSD’s resources are protected and well-managed. I am excited to learn those systems, and to work with the other members of the finance and leadership teams to identify opportunities to strengthen and improve them. While I do not have prior work history as a school finance manager, I am fortunate to have a substantial network of colleagues around the state whom I could call upon for support if needed.
Transitions are always challenging, but I honestly feel like coming to work at WSD is a bit like coming home. I have been very involved with the community and WSD for many years, and have built friendships with many folks who I will now be proud to call colleagues. Plus, the commute is going to be awesome!
What do you hope to accomplish in your first year with WSD?
I hope to build a solid foundation of knowledge of the financial systems and procedures, establish strong relationships with the leadership team and faculty and staff, and support Superintendent McMannon and the WSD School Board with good information and analysis as they navigate what promises to be a challenging fiscal environment due to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment was being part of a team that advocated for changes to Vermont law that would require private, independent schools that accept public education dollars to serve students with disabilities. It was a long and difficult process, but ultimately, the Legislature included that requirement as part of Act 173 of 2018.
I’m also pretty proud of an animated video we created at the VSBA that explains Vermont’s education funding system. Many said it could not be done, but we did it (and it’s only 15 minutes long!)
What do you do for fun?
I love to go for walks in the Gilbrook Nature Preserve with my dog and my daughter. Did you know that fairies live there? I also love to read and to cook (and eat!). And these days, I love my neighborhood dance party every night at 6 pm, courtesy of Joe Smith.
Why do you heart Winooski?
When I was on the Winooski City Council, I was fond of saying that Winooski is a small city with a big heart. It is so true – we are a small, close community that looks out for one another. We are not perfect, and we do not always agree, but we are always striving to be better and do better for one another. Plus, we love to have fun!