Carl Mummenthey’s expertise in school finances earned him a statewide award last week.
Mr. Mummenthey, Cobleskill-Richmondville superintendent, received the ‘Outstanding Superintendent of the Year Award from the Association of School Business Officials of New York.
Mr. Mummenthey accepted the award at the association’s virtual summit meeting Thursday.
The award goes to a superintendent who demonstrates “exceptional support and appreciation for the role of the school business official and their contributions to a well-run school district,” according to the association’s website.
“I’m proud and honored,” Mr. Mummenthey said. “Recognition means a lot. “A big part of this job is the financial end.
“But this is a team effort, and I just happen to be the one honored.”
C-R Business Manager Tracy Fraleigh nominated Mr. Mummenthey, and her nomination pointed to his team approach.
“Carl routinely credits his ‘team’ for our district’s successes, and he makes everyone, including me, feel like a respected and vital part of that team,” Ms. Fraleigh wrote.
Being part of that leadership team, Ms. Fraleigh said Monday, “gives me a better understanding for the decisions I make with the budget and with buying.”
Ms. Fraleigh worked with Mr. Mummenthey at Jefferson Central School and later came to C-R after he became superintendent there, a total of 15 years.
“He’s always supported school business functions and involved me in the higher levels of planning,” Mr. Fraleigh said.
School board President Bruce Tryon applauded Mr. Mummenthey’s award and noted several achievements:
•Instituting a long-range budget forecast that allowed school officials and school board “to make informed decisions on annual expenses and the long-range fiscal health of the district.”
•Negotiations with three C-R employee unions. “His preparation led to informed decisions with the best interest of both negotiating parties,” Mr. Tryon said.
•C-R’s three-part capital project, with the first already passed and in progress. “This capital project will be setting the table for the future success of our students,” Mr. Tryon said.
Pleased and proud with the award, Mr. Mummenthey had no idea it was coming.
“Sometimes the nicest things come in surprises,” he said.
The association also made a $1,000 donation to C-R for purchasing equipment or establishing a scholarship.