The Petersburg School District’s Finance Director has received a leadership award from the Association of School Business Officials International. Shannon Baird was awarded the Emerging Leaders Scholarship for her work with the district.
The award recognizes school business professionals with up to five years in the field. Baird is one of 20 who will receive a $2,000 scholarship to attend the organization’s annual conference this fall.
Baird has been with the district for three years, and previously worked as a finance clerk for the Petersburg Borough.
Superintendent Robyn Taylor said the district’s finances have stayed in good shape because of Baird’s care.
“We’re in a really stable position,” Taylor said. “And it’s due to the attention to detail that Shannon has.”
Taylor said Baird researched and presented financial investment opportunities that ultimately ended up bringing in thousands more dollars to the district each month.
She said Baird’s work has been noticed well beyond the district.
“The work Shannon is doing is definitely being recognized,” Taylor said. “Individuals across the state appreciate how thorough she is in her work, how timely she is in her work, and how accurate she is in her work.”
Baird said while she’s honored to receive the award, she’s one of many putting in hard work across the state.
“I’m not the only one that’s had to figure it out, and had a big learning curve,” she said. “So I feel really honored that I was nominated and being recognized, but I’m not the only one.”
She said she looks forward to the networking opportunities that come with attending the conference.
