BELMONT — The Union Local School District will welcome a new treasurer next year, but it turns out he is already an important part of the Jets team.

Bernie Thompson will be guiding the district’s finances into the future. He is currently being trained by Treasurer Janet Hissrich, who is closing out a career of 21 years in the school district.

But filling big shoes at UL is nothing new for Thompson, who already has completed five seasons as the district’s head football coach. Now he is transitioning to a new role.

“He started working with me Sept. 1,” Hissrich said. “It’s been a very good process so far, and it’ll continue to be. We’re very excited to have Mr. Thompson replace me, and I think everyone will see that. He’s already doing a great job.”

Thompson will officially start work as treasurer at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

“July 31 will be my last day, and he’ll be at the helm Aug. 1,” Hissrich said.

Hissrich said Thompson is currently working as an assistant treasurer. His salary as treasurer has not been negotiated.

Thompson, a resident of Loomis, has roots in the area.

“I’m a Union Local kid. I went to Union Local and graduated from Waynesburg University with a management degree and spent some years at the (Belmont County) auditor’s office, so transitioning over here to the treasurer’s office, I’m just happy to be here. This is a great opportunity to come back and work with people I care deeply about. I also coach football here, too,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to continuing learning from Janet over the next couple of months and trying to take in everything that she knows, which is impossible because she’s got 30-plus years (total work experience), and to try to learn that all in a year is a lot. But I’m very grateful for her help and her guidance, and I’m just trying to learn as much as possible,” he said.

Thompson said he brings both financial and interpersonal skills to the position.

“I’m a good listener and I’m willing to learn, and this is a position where you have to fully understand what you’re doing and who you’re working with and how the funds work,” he said. “Just doing my part to comprehend all of that, learn all of that and be very personable. … It’s not only about finances — it’s about relationships and understanding the personnel and doing what’s right for the district.”

He and Hissrich worked on the district’s five-year financial forecast together. Hissrich noted the next two years predict the district will be in the black, with a possibility of going into the red in the last three. But she added there are multiple factors including current and upcoming state biennium budgets. Variables include oil and gas income, along with inflation and rising costs. The district has also been considering improvements to its buildings.

“It was very eye-opening just seeing where everything comes and goes,” he said. “We have some big plans down the road with some potential projects coming up, which could be very big for Union Local.”

Thompson was one of five candidates for the post. Superintendent Zac Shutler, also new to his position, did not participate in the interviews but said he is confident in Thompson.

“I think we’re blessed to be in a situation where he can learn from Mrs. Hissrich. Mrs. Hissrich does a phenomenal job. Her knowledge of finance, her knowledge of the district is second to none, so having Bernie given the opportunity to learn from her for a full calendar year is going to set him up in a very advantageous position,” Shutler said. “Just from a personal standpoint, he and I have developed a very strong professional friendship, and I think we’re going to work very well together.”