Vacek’s goal is for business office to make a difference

Patty Vacek knows the role that students have in keeping a school funded. “If you are losing students, you are losing money,” said Vacek, who started as the Staples-Motley Business Manager on Nov. 16.

That’s why Vacek said a lot of her job is getting involved with staff, teachers and students, so that they can afford the type of education they want.

“I do what I can every day to make a difference,” she said about her job. “I like the variety of it, there is always something new.”

Vacek worked for 10 years at the Kaleidoscope Charter School in Ostego, working her way up to become business manager. She also did some work for the state and judicial system before coming to Staples-Motley.

She said the differences between a charter school and a public school are not that great. “It’s about saving money and finding money, the main difference is in how it is reported,” she said.

Some challenges of the Staples-Motley job include keeping track of three different buildings and learning the names and roles of the people in each building.

Vacek said she is learning the new processes at Staples-Motley and wants to find out what works well at the school. “There is a lot to learn. I look forward to meeting all the staff,” she said.