From the Military Operations Office to the School Business Office

2018 Monarch Award recipient Gwendolyn Polk used a military mindset to help Waukegan CUSD 60 make a financial turnaround

After 20 years serving in the military (14 as an accountant), Gwendolyn Polk transitioned into education as an ROTC Instructor/Dean at Chicago Public Schools. She was encouraged by her superintendent and principal to pursue administration, which led her into a NIU School Business Management cohort, and ultimately where she is today.

In 2007, she entered Waukegan CUSD 60 as the Director of Business & Financial Services, conducting revenue and expenditure projections and managing grants. At that time, the district finances were not stellar — they had a negative balance of $12M in education and $4M in transportation.

Under the guidance of a skilled CFO, Gwen started looking at how the district was expending funds and putting more money into contingency/surplus. The stimulus money created by reducing departmental spending allowed CUSD 60 to convert the $12M education deficit to a $12M surplus and the $4M transportation deficit to a $4M surplus.

This success has led to multiple milestone achievements for the district — including a massive bond issue and grant leading to a $42M expansion of 12 schools. They were able to increase their S&P rating up to an A, which they’ve kept until today even through turbulent times in school finance.

Now the Assoc. Supt./Business & Financial Services, Gwen believes her military experience has contributed to her success. “During the 14 years I worked in the military operations office, we always strategized, budgeted, acted and reacted based on planned actions. I wanted to infuse this experience into the finances of the district. Part of this was moving to a strategic mindset and a zero-based budgeting model.”

The Foundation Monarch Award is one of the highest honors that Illinois ASBO bestows upon its members, and a celebration of the best school business management has to offer. The award was presented to Gwendolyn at the Opening General Session of the 2018 Annual Conference. 

Gwendolyn Polk

It Takes an Entire Business Office Team

Oftentimes it is not the positive things that are celebrated, instead the mistakes and flaws are magnified. For Illinois ASBO to recognize the efficiencies and professionalism of school business officials is not only desired but required.

Waukegan CUSD 60 is not the wealthiest district, but have been able to do well financially. It takes the entire business office team to make that happen and this award applauds those efforts.”

–Gwendolyn Polk
2018 Monarch Award Recipient