GWINN — Gwinn Area Community Schools continues to move forward with its plan to stabilize the district financially, with Amy Finkbeiner filling the business manager position.

Finkbeiner will be assisted by a support team of Terri Brintlinger and Mary Kay Johnson.

According to a news release from the district, this team has been working with Gwinn schools for the past six months in the reorganization of the business office and will continue to add strength to its financial policies and needs.

Brad Pfluger was named principal of Gwinn Middle/High School starting Jan. 29, replacing Sandra Petrovich, who was named GACS superintendent Dec. 5.

Former Superintendent Tom Jayne retires Feb. 15.

The school board will approve a revised 2017-2018 budget at its next meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Gwinn High School library.

Budget cuts made thus far this school year have allowed GACS to balance the 2017-2018 budget, and is the first phase of its three-step plan toward a financially stable district.

The work ahead for the district includes developing a deficit elimination plan, as the $406,000 fund deficit from the 2016-2017 school year remains, along with building a long-term positive fund balance.

District staff expressed confidence that watchful spending, future budget cuts and increasing revenue sources will allow GACS to accomplish this within the next three to five years.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.