DMPS to Hire New Chief Financial Officer

Thomas Harper, current Chief Financial Officer for Billings Public Schools in Billings, Mont. is being recommended to the Board of Directors for the position of Chief Financial Officer for Des Moines Public Schools, Superintendent Nancy Sebring announced today.

Harper, a Certified Public Accountant, has been CFO for Billings Public Schools — a school district with about 16,000 students — for seven years and manages an annual budget of $150 million. The district has been recognized nationally by the Association of School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association for excellence in budget preparation and presentation and financial reporting.

“Thomas’ knowledge of school finances will be an asset to the district,” said Sebring. “He also has experience collaborating with educators and community representatives, which will be a benefit as we begin to develop the budget for the next fiscal year.”

Harper’s background includes extensive management and financial experience with Fortune 500 companies. Prior to his role at Billings Public Schools, he was the president of Harper & Associates, LLC in Billings from 2001 to 2004.

Harper is slated to begin his position with Des Moines Public Schools on July 11, 2011. Current Chief Financial Officer Patti Schroeder will retire in June after eight years with the district.