Treasurer figures it’s time to retire

By Jon Moffett

The outgoing treasurer will stay on in a part-time capacity with the district.

AUSTINTOWN — Barb Kliner insists that even though she is retiring as treasurer of Austintown School District, she has no intention of slowing down.

“You can’t go 600 miles an hour every day and then just stop and sit at home; I’m not that kind of person,” she said.

Kliner has been a treasurer in the area for 30 years — the first 10 in East Palestine and the last 20 with Austintown.

“It has been a wonderful ride. I’ve had 30 years of not ever having the same day twice,” she said. “I’m just very, very blessed to have had a wonderful career. I’ve loved every minute of it, even the bad stuff. But after 30 years, it’s time to say, ‘That’s enough.’ ”

Superintendent Vince Colaluca said Kliner is a staple of the district and will be deeply missed.

“When you think about or talk about Austintown schools out in the community, one of the first people who comes to mind is Barb Kliner,” he said. “She’s been a stable leader over 20 years, longer than a lot of teachers and administrators.”

Kliner will be succeeded as treasurer by Mary Ann Herschel, who has worked as an intern with the district for more than a year in a similar role.

A lifelong Austintown resident, Herschel is excited to be working in the district. Herschel said she has large shoes to fill but is thankful for her mentor.

“Working with Barb, who has 30 years of experience as a school treasurer, has been invaluable because there are so many things that are different from school to school, from district to district,” Herschel said. “As things come up, there’s just been a resource I could go to.”

Kliner will not be going far. She has accepted a part-time position with the district in a similar — albeit much smaller — capacity. The Austintown Board of Education approved the hire at its Dec. 16 meeting.

“When I told the board I was going to go, the first thing they asked me to do is don’t,” Kliner said, laughing. “And I said no, it’s time. We need to make this change.”

Kliner stressed that she’s given the process a lot of thought and is comfortable with her decision. She said she’s talked to others about retirement and is ready for the next step.

“When you get ready to do this, you think, ‘Oh, I can’t wait to do this. I can’t wait, I’m just going to quit,’” she said. “But as it gets closer and closer, you start thinking about what you’re going to do.”

Kliner said she plans to take a couple of months off at the beginning of the year. With her free time, Kliner said she may fill in as a temporary treasurer for districts as needed. But aside from working, Kliner said she is looking forward to retirement.

“I have the opportunity now to totally reinvent myself, and not too many people get that chance,” she said. “I think I needed this change to reinvent myself and be rejuvenated. After 30 years, you’re ready to try something new, and I’m looking at it as an incredible opportunity.”

jmoffett@vindy.com