YOUNGSTOWN — Over the past two decades in school finance, Michael Rock says he's seen it all.

"I'm very fortunate that my career covers one of every one of the above ... Small district, bigger district, districts that had financial challenges, districts that had excess financial resources," Rock said. 

The Youngstown City School District (YCSD) board of education voted unanimously to hire Rock as the district's new treasurer Tuesday night. The previous treasurer, Bryan Schiraldi, resigned in June. Rock will begin his three-year contract in January 2026.  

Jeremy Batchelor, YCSD superintendent, said the school board chose Rock from a final pool of five candidates. He said the board was looking for a treasurer that "understands urban school finance and school districts like ours, but also is strong on culture."

"We want to be tough-minded in principles, but tender-hearted with people, and Dr. Rock definitely seemed like he's that guy," Batchelor said, adding that "The fact that he's here in Youngstown speaks so highly of our district and our board and the direction we're going in."

According to his website, Rock began his career in public accounting before becoming treasurer for Buckeye Local Schools Ashtabula in 2005. He spent the past decade as the CFO/Treasurer of Warrensville Heights City School District, and in 2024 was recognized by the Ohio Association of School Business Officials with a Treasurer of Distinction Award. 

Rock is also a Struthers native who graduated from Youngstown State University, before earning a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership from North Central University. He told 21 News it was "fantastic" and "an honor" to return home and work with YCSD. 

The district has faced some concerns in recent years over revenue. In its most recent monthly financial report, released in July 2025, revenues had increased by $146,726 from the previous year — but expenditures had also increased by $3,827,065.

"We are stable, but things in education are changing across the state daily," Batchelor said.

The superintendent also told 21 News YCSD has not cut any staff positions or salaries this year, despite the school board approving a Reduction in Force plan in May. 

When asked what he would focus on first in terms of strengths and challenges for the district, Rock said he would need to "dig into the numbers" before answering "a detailed question like that." 

"But again, the one thing that's going to drive us is creating opportunities for Youngstown students and scholars," he added. 

Rock and Batchelor each said they look forward to working closely with one another and the school board. 

"Having a board that participates and has open ears to be strategic, it's very important, especially from a financial stance," Rock said. "That's one of the things that we're going to do very, very closely here, is be strategic with our resources, and also where we laser in to make our investments."