State Education Department Appoints Albert Chase as Fiscal Monitor for the Wyandanch Union Free School District

New York State Education Department Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe today announced the appointment of Albert Chase as the State Fiscal Monitor for the Wyandanch Union Free School District. Mr. Chase has vast experience in school district finance and operations that makes him uniquely qualified to advise Wyandanch UFSD’s administrators and school board on the district’s dire fiscal issues. As required by recently enacted legislation, the State Monitor provides oversight, guidance and technical assistance related to the fiscal policies, practices and decisions of the district, the board and the superintendent.

“At the heart of everything we do is ensuring the well-being of our students,” Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa said. “Albert Chase’s appointment as fiscal monitor will help the Wyandanch school district get its finances and governance in order for the benefit of the district’s students.”

“Throughout his long career, Albert Chase has worked as a school business official in several Long Island districts and he will work diligently alongside Department staff to begin a turnaround in Wyandanch,” Interim Commissioner Shannon Tahoe said. “Senator Brooks and Assemblymember Jean-Pierre should be commended for their tireless advocacy for improvement and change in the district to build toward academic and fiscal strength.”

The monitor’s duties will include to:

• attend all board meetings, including executive sessions;
• together with the board of education, develop a financial plan and an academic improvement plan by November 1;
• review all budgets and submit them annually to the commissioner of education for approval;
• assist in resolving disputes and conflicts among the board of education, its members and the superintendent; and
• oversee deficit financing included in legislation.

Mr. Chase brings 40 years of experience in managing district operations to the State Monitor position, most recently serving as the Interim Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations for the Long Beach City School District and the Interim School Business Official for the Island Park Union Free School District prior to that.  Mr. Chase received his bachelor’s degree from Queens College, his MBA in Finance from St. John’s University and his School District Administrator and School Business Administrator Certificates from CUNY’s Graduate School of Education.