UW–Madison graduate student John Stellmacher, a PhD candidate in the School of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, is a recipient of the 2024 Wisconsin School Business Manager of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Association of School Business Officials (WASBO).
The award acknowledges recipients’ recent outstanding contributions to their local school district and community and to the business manager profession. Awardees are recognized for implementing innovative projects within their district, improving systems and processes to improve efficiencies, and/or forging creative partnerships with their community and improving student learning.
Stellmacher, who is the chief financial officer for the Kettle Moraine School District, received the award at the 2024 Wisconsin State Education Convention held in January in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
“A former WASBO President, and critical advocate for educational funding, Stellmacher has been a leader in Wisconsin education,” explains a news article from the Kettle Moraine School District. “Stellmacher is a frequent presenter at both WASBO and WASB conferences. He mentors countless business managers and provides instrumental support to the Southeast Wisconsin Schools Alliance (SWSA), advising on fiscal solvency and providing quality education efficiently.”
“I think this award is a reflection of the collaborative nature of both our profession and specifically our district,” Stellmacher says. “As I look back on my nearly 20 year career, I am grateful to be in a position where I can be an advocate for education and for kids. It’s been my dream job, and although the financial aspects of my role are the essential function, I always think of myself as representing education first. Any financial decision we’re making needs to be viewed through the lens of the student.”
Check out this WASBO video that explains why Stellmacher was chosen for this award.