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Deputy Superintendent to Retire


School District’s Chief Business Officer, James Crawford, Lauded for Finance and Operations Leadership

“Jim is always looking for ways to save the district money and use resources to benefit our students and schools,” said Campbell Union School District Governing Board President Tom Gemetti.

portrait of James CrawfordAs the elementary district’s Chief Business Officer, Deputy Superintendent James Crawford has been responsible for all aspects of district finance, operations, and non-instructional programs, such as the child nutrition program, transportation services, risk management, technology and construction for the past 11 years.

“Jim’s leadership has benefited the district in so many ways,” said District Superintendent Shelly Viramontez. She noted that he has saved the district significant funds through energy and water conservation programs and clean-emissions school buses funded in part by grants and zero-interest loans. Upgrades to technology and facilities have given students more modern and efficient places to learn thanks to his frugal management of bond and parcel tax funds. “Jim’s creativity, connections and overall know-how will certainly be missed.”

Crawford, a San Jose resident, has more than 35 years of experience in the business of public education and is active in many related organizations. He is president of the West Valley Transportation JPA, president of the South Bay Area Schools Insurance Authority, past president of Schools Linked for Insurance Management, and past vice president of the East Valley Transportation JPA. He is a current School Energy Coalition board member, served on the board of the Commonwealth Credit Union, and is a member of California Association of School Business Officials and of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing.

He holds a bachelor of science degree from San Jose State University, and additional related coursework and certifications from UC Davis, CSU Northridge, and the California Association of School Business Officials.

Crawford’s retirement takes effect November 1, 2018. Campbell Union School District’s director of fiscal services, Nelly Yang, will replace him as the district’s new Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services.