FINANCE SUPERINTENDENT WINS HIGHEST HONOR IN SCHOOL BUSINESS
The head of Mansfield ISD ’ s business department has been recognized by the international school business community . The Association of School Business Officials International ( ASBO ) honored Associate Superintendent of Business and Finance Michele Trongaard with its highest honor — the Eagle Award . The award recognizes outstanding and unique contributions made by school business officials to their districts and the profession .
“ Michele is so deserving of this award ,” said Mansfield ISD Superintendent Dr . Kimberley Cantu . “ Throughout her career , she has prioritized transparent , prudent fiscal management . She is always mindful of being a good steward of taxpayer dollars , and she puts students first .”
Trongaard came to Mansfield ISD in 2020 after serving 17 years in Wylie ISD . She blazed her own trail as that district ’ s first female CFO . Today , her business team at Mansfield ISD is consistently recognized for excellence in business practices . In 2023-24 alone , Mansfield ISD ’ s Business and Finance Department received several highly respected awards :
• ASBO ’ s Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting
• ASBO ’ s Meritorious Budget Award
• Government Finance Officers Association ’ s Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting
• Texas Association of School Business Officials ’ prestigious Award of Excellence in Financial Management
• TASBO Award of Merit for Purchasing Operations
• A 20-year history of earning a Superior or “ A ” grade in the School Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas
• An increase in Mansfield ISD ’ s Standard & Poor ’ s ( S & P ) bond rating to AA + from AA , reflecting the district ’ s consistently positive operations and strong fiscal management
• The Traditional Finances Transparency Star from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Trongaard has navigated many challenges to reach this point in her career , overseeing district finances with resilience and perseverance .
“ It ’ s an amazing feeling to be recognized in this way by your peers ,” Trongaard said . “ I ’ m grateful for the wonderful teams I ’ ve led , and it is rewarding to have a career where your work is focused on serving children .”
Along with the accolades , ASBO awards $ 5,000 to the Eagle Award recipient to create a scholarship for high school seniors . Trongaard is one of just three Texans to receive the International Eagle Award since its inception in 1992 .
Eagle Award Class of 2024 . Pictured from left , Mr . James Rowan , Executive Director of ASBO , Jill Barragan , Fred Makonnen , Michele Trongaard , Ryan S . Stechschulte , President of ASBO Board , Mary Ellen Norman and Dr . Jack Mitchell .
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