SALEM City treasurer seeks school district post

The school board is just beginning its search for someone to fill the treasurer post.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
SALEM -- City Treasurer Robert Tullis is the first person to publicly state his interest in serving as the city school district's next permanent treasurer.
Tullis, 57, said he has submitted a letter to the school board advising the panel that he wants to be considered for the post.
The school board is getting a search for a treasurer started after the Dec. 16 resignation of treasurer Ted Cougras.
Cougras resigned his $72,237-a-year job amid an investigation into his March purchase of $781 in office equipment that he had delivered to his Poland home.
Cougras has not been charged with, or accused of, any crime.
The school board met in special session Sunday and named schools Superintendent Dr. David Brobeck temporary treasurer.
The school board expects to name an interim treasurer soon to fill in until a permanent treasurer can be hired, a process that could take months.
Experience
Tullis has served as city treasurer for five years and has three years left on his term, which is part time.
He said he believes his experience in city finances would serve the school district well in the full-time treasurer's post.
He also is treasurer for his church, Believers Christian Fellowship on Second Street.
Tullis previously served as Third Ward city councilman for eight years in the 1990s.
His full-time job is as a master control operator for Public Broadcasting System Channels 45/49 in Kent.
Job attraction
Tullis said he's interested in the school treasurer's job because it would enable him to continue serving the public in a full-time position that would allow him to work locally instead of commuting to Kent.
He said he also is attracted to the job security and pay that comes with the treasurer's post.
Tullis has no college degree in accounting or finance. He attended San Diego Mesa Junior College.
Tullis noted that a school treasurer must hold a treasurer's certificate from the state. Generally, getting the certificate requires a bachelor's degree, he said.
Tullis said he doesn't have a bachelor's degree but "there are several other ways, including an associate's degree," he said.
He added that he doesn't have an associate's degree "but I can aim toward it."
If hired as treasurer, Tullis said it's unclear whether he could continue to serve as city treasurer.