Lourdes LaGuardia
Manahawkin,NJ
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in business administration, recognized for optimizing processes and driving organizational success through strategic planning. Expertise in collaborating with diverse teams and adapting to evolving business needs, leveraging strong leadership and problem-solving skills. Extensive experience in technology software transitions and training, coupled with a solid foundation in accounting office procedures and budgetary planning. Demonstrated success in conducting financial audits with zero findings, showcasing a strong aptitude for needs assessment and continuous improvement initiatives.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Business Administrator; Board Secretary
Stafford Township Board Of Education
01.2018 - Current
- Provide financial oversight and budget planning amid state aid losses. Provide financial support in negotiations.
- Provide managerial oversight, guidance and expectations to Facilities, Transportation and Food Service Management Directors.
- Initiated a successful $75 million dollar building and repairs referendum. Led cross-functional teams in project management efforts, driving innovation within educational administration. Currently working with Architects and construction manager in project plans, bids,and financing for district wide HVAC, remodeling and building addition. Initiated Garage Construction Project; closed out $1 Million IAQ remediation insurance claim. Provided direction for facilities makeovers (cafeterias, bathrooms, drainage).
- Saved district dollars through contract reviews for operations, cafeteria, construction and employee expenditures.
- Led the school team in remediation after a fire; collaborating with remediation company and insurance claims submissions. Collaborate to insure district connectivity during COVID closure and re-entry; technology device replenishment making it a district priority during COVID. Collaborate with administration on COVID planning and procurement of PPE supplies and equipment.
- Provide insight to revenue generating programs Stafford Performing Arts Center, policy use rewrite; and Aftercare program rates.
- Collaborated in implementation of preschool funded programs inclusive of utilization of private providers.
- Work alongside Superintendent to resolve union grievances, and public concerns. Excellent Audit record…..
- Strong knowledge of NJ statute 6A and 18A. OPRA management and collaboration with legal team. Budget Management projections/ preparation and presentations. Work collaboratively with administration in maintaining fiscal prudence.
- Involved in insurance contracting, purchasing; transportation; food services; technology; plant operations; school construction and facility planning; debt refinancing, employee benefits/negotiations.
- Collaboration and support to Superintendent in administrative planning. Support Board of Education in transitional planning and implementation, and board report at committee levels in Finance, Technology, Buildings and Grounds
Business Administrator
Barnegat Township Board Of Education
12.2012 - 12.2018
- Streamlined administrative processes to enhance operational efficiency across departments. Successfully provided training and accountability expectations within standard operating procedures to reduce error and save district dollars.
- Analyzed data trends to inform decision-making and improve service delivery within the district. Saved district dollars in contract reviews for operations and employee expenditures.
- Made technology implementation in the classroom a district priority.
- Collaborated in implementation of in-house before/after care program; and medical science academy for High School.
- Initiated a much needed construction of field house concession stand. Excellent Audit record…..
- Strong knowledge and accomplished leadership and management skills in budget projections/ preparation and administration; insurance purchasing; transportation; food services; technology; plant operations; school construction and facility planning; debt refinancing, employee benefits/negotiations.
- Collaboration and support to Superintendent in administrative planning. Support Board of Education in transitional planning and implementation; and board report at committee levels in Finance; Negotiations; Health Safety and Technology; Buildings and Grounds.
Business Administrator
Mullica Township School District
01.2008 - 12.2012
- Managed administrative operations to ensure compliance with educational policies and regulations.
- Coordinated budget preparation and resource allocation for various school programs.
- Initiated operational procedures for discretionary grants. Initiated community build for Tween playground installation.
- Trained new staff on operational procedures and best practices for effective administration.
- Provided Preschool expansion and lead construction makeover for new pre K wing.
- Initiated partnership with a Private provider for special needs housed on premises.
- Outsourced cafeteria services for district savings.
- Initiated building repairs, providing facilities director with guidance, goals and plans.
Business Administrator
Ocean Gate Board of Education
02.2004 - 03.2008
- Restored Stability, implemented financial accountability. Changed procedures to ensure cost savings. Restored and/or passed budgets. Initiated district need for facility improvement and referendum movement. Responsible for all district financial data; recordkeeping and analysis of all district funds; analysis, costing; reporting; plan specification, budget development, and district use of funds.
- Maintain all district contracts, review and implement cost effective contracts. Also integral responsibility in submission of DOE reporting requirements; i.e. DRTRS; QAAR; CMP; Facilities; ELL; NCLB; Debt Service; Budget Process; LRFP; OPRA request.
- Ensure Payroll Accuracy: Prepare; post; and submit quarterlies and year end reports to employees and government. Responsible for employee benefits administration i.e. pension, health and employee orientation
- Supervise all Buildings and Grounds Activities; Motivate personnel to ensure clean and safe school buildings inside and outside in their daily operational duties. Referendum Planning and implementation for roof; boilers; plumbing. Initiated playground compliance - planned implemented new play yard - Responsible for compliance i.e.; Inspection preparation and monitoring for state, fire, health county, insurance, and boiler
- Supervise cafeteria staff and monitor all activities as it pertains to lunch program and nutrition guidelines. Implemented ala carte program.
Assistant Business Administrator
Central Regional Board of Education
10.2000 - 01.2004
- Reorganized account payable process. Worked on cross training and effective office practices. Provided and initiated cost effective implementation detail for contracts such as utilities, transportation, and maintenance.
- Provided Business Administrator with updated financial records, budget analysis, and budgetary assistance to district supervisors. Recorded and analyzed all daily financial activity. Preparation and distribution of all monthly bills.
- Liaison between vendors and business office.
- Preparation of monthly activity reports, monthly and year end closeouts and Board Secretary Report. Cash reconciliations.
- Appropriations Review; Budget development; Audit preparation
Financial Software In-service Manager
Asbury Park Board of Education
10.1991 - 09.2000
- Training and individualized attention to board of education finance offices. Guided districts in implementing software changes in an effort to simplify office procedures.
- Provide on-site training and GAAP application support to business administrators and staffs throughout the State of New Jersey for approximately 70 school districts.
- Accounting and Payroll/personnel user support which included development of queries; fixed asset training; on-site requisition set up.
- Training documentation for client base to include purchasing guidelines for data entry; Board Secretary Report reviews; Year-end closeout; setting up new accounts.
- Onsite visits to resolve district financial data issues, train new staff; substitute services for payroll and accounts payable.
- Train in-house staff – Coordinate implementation and programming with director and programmers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration; Accounting
Georgian Court University
Lakewood NJMBA - International Economics
Monmouth College
Long Branch, NJSkills
- Microsoft Office Suite Excel, Word, PP
- Executive support
- Eye for detail, inquisitive
- Project management
- Fiscally Prudent
- Conflict resolution
- Team collaboration
- Business Plan Devoplment
Accomplishments
- Oversaw passage of a $75 million referendum.
- Construction oversight
- Increased productivity in enterprise stakes; increasing revenues.
- Seamless software transitions.
- Implemented processes to streamline workflow.
- Budget preparation, oversight, long term planning.
Affiliations
- Ocean County Assn. of School Officials - President 2018-2020
- New Jersey Assn. of School Officials - Trustee
- International Assn. of School Officials - Certified
Certification
- Certified Business Administrator, State of New Jersey- 2005
- Certified Qualified Purchasing Agent, NJ Div Community Affairs - 1/1/2023-1/1/2026
- Certified Administrator of School Finance & Operations, Commission of Assoc. of Sch Business Officials International - 12/06/2016-12/31/2025
Timeline
Business Administrator; Board Secretary
Stafford Township Board Of Education
01.2018 - Current
Business Administrator
Barnegat Township Board Of Education
12.2012 - 12.2018
Business Administrator
Mullica Township School District
01.2008 - 12.2012
Business Administrator
Ocean Gate Board of Education
02.2004 - 03.2008
Assistant Business Administrator
Central Regional Board of Education
10.2000 - 01.2004
Financial Software In-service Manager
Asbury Park Board of Education
10.1991 - 09.2000
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration; Accounting
Georgian Court University
MBA - International Economics
Monmouth College
Section name
- "Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see."
- "Leaders do not chase comfort; they pursue vision even if it comes with risks. Don't give up too early because you see not early rewards." - Israelmore Ayivor, Leaders' Ladder