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Welcome Page & Resources

Business Services

Welcome to the Business Services Department

The Business Services Department is dedicated to ensuring the fiscal health and integrity of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District. Our core mission is to manage the district's financial resources with transparency, efficiency, and accountability, all in direct support of our primary goal: providing exceptional educational opportunities for every student.

We are responsible for a wide range of essential functions, including budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, and managing all of the district's financial assets. By maintaining fiscal stability, we ensure that our schools and staff have the resources they need to create a positive and productive learning environment.

 

 

What We Do

Our team manages the financial operations that keep the district running smoothly. Key areas of our work include:

  • Budgeting & Financial Planning: We develop and manage the district's annual budget, and we create multi-year financial projections to ensure long-term stability.

  • Accounting & Auditing: We oversee all financial transactions, including accounts payable and accounts receivable. We also prepare for and support annual independent audits to ensure compliance and transparency.

  • Payroll & Benefits: We process payroll for all district employees and manage employee benefits.

  • Purchasing & Contracts: We oversee the procurement of goods and services and manage all vendor contracts.

  • Facilities & Bond Management: We manage the financial aspects of our school facilities, including the oversight of bond funds for construction and modernization projects.

We invite you to explore the resources below to learn more about the district's financial operations.

 

Office Hours:

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

Business Deptartment Staff Directory

 

For Staff

For commonly used staff forms & other resources, please visit this page:

Staff Forms & Resources

 

Developer Fees

To review fee rates and application procedures, please visit this page:

School Impact / Developer Fees

Business Services Directory

Circlar logo with a school building in the center and the text

 

Chris Thomas
Interim Chief Business Officer
Email: cthomas@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4249 

 

Harrold Wigg
Interim Program Manager – Business Services
Email: hwigg@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4247 

 

Margaret Ludlow
Administrative Assistant 
Email: mludlow@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4249 

 

Jo Fichtenberg
Administrative Support Assistant (Developer / School Impact Fees)
Email: jfichtenberg@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-1614

 

 

Melanie Smith
Payroll Analyst: Last Names A-L
Email: mrsmith@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-6095

 

Lynnea Spencer
Payroll Analyst: Last Names M-Z
Email: lspencer@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-6009

 

Summer Elliott
Accounting Technician - Accounts Payable
Email: selliott@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4021

 

Annette Albini
Accounting Technician - Accounts Receivable (Retiree Payments, Reimbursements)
Email: aalbini@sonomaschools.org
(707) 935-4215

 

 

Resources & Information

  • School Budget & Finances

    Learn how we manage our school district's budget to support students and staff by accessing key financial documents and resources.

  • Bond Facilities and Projects

    This section contains documents and information regarding school facilities improvement projects. Access RFQs, agreements, project plans, schedules, board updates, and FAQs, showcasing the district’s commitment to enhancing educational environments.

  • Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee

    The committee ensures that bond funds are used wisely for school improvements, such as building new schools, upgrading existing facilities, and purchasing land. Importantly, bond funds are not used for everyday school operations like salaries or ongoing expenses.

  • School Impact / Developer Fees

    Sonoma Valley USD levies developer fees on new, remodeled, and additional residential and commercial projects to fund school facility improvements. Review fee rates, application procedures, and detailed information on how these fees support our schools. Visit this page to learn more.

  • Government Claim Form

    This form is used to file a claim against SVUSD for injury or damages. Please review the warning on the form regarding potential cost recovery.

  • Public Records Requests (CPRA)

    The Sonoma Valley Unified School District is committed to transparency and providing access to public records in accordance with the California Public Records Act