District Assistant School Business Administrator Earns National Recognition for Leadership in School Finance

NEWARK, N.J. – District Assistant School Business Administrator Krystle Whitlock is earning national recognition for her leadership in school finance, receiving the 2026 Brian Mee School Finance and Operations (SFO) Scholarship from the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) International while continuing to contribute to national professional development and planning efforts for financial leaders in the nation’s largest urban school districts. 

Whitlock is one of just 10 school business professionals nationwide selected to receive the 2026 Brian Mee SFO Scholarship. The scholarship supports recipients as they pursue ASBO International’s Certified SFO administrator certification by covering study materials as well as application and examination fees

“Ms. Whitlock represents the kind of leadership that has helped Newark Public Schools strengthen its financial operations while earning recognition nationally,” Superintendent León said. “She is committed to learning, to leading and to sharing what we have learned in Newark with colleagues across the country. We are proud that national organizations recognize the talent and expertise that she brings to our district every day.”

“I am honored to receive the Brian Mee SFO Scholarship and grateful for the opportunities I have had to learn alongside school business leaders from across the country,” said Whitlock. “The work we do in school finance is ultimately about ensuring that resources reach classrooms and support students. I am proud to represent Newark Public Schools and to share in a national community of professionals committed to strengthening public education.”

Whitlock has also successfully completed the Michael Casserly Urban School Executive Leadership Institute, an initiative of the Council of the Great City Schools designed to develop the next generation of senior leaders in the nation’s large urban public school systems. She completed the Institute’s Chief Financial Officer track.

Whitlock has been instrumental in planning and supporting the Council’s professional work for chief financial officers and other senior financial leaders from large urban school districts across the country. Her participation has included helping bring together school finance professionals to examine common challenges, share successful practices and strengthen the financial operations that support students and schools. Whitlock has also participated in the Council’s national CFO conference programming.

“Ms. Whitlock’s accomplishments reflect the depth of talent that we have throughout Newark Public Schools,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Strong schools require strong financial stewardship. Her willingness to continue developing professionally while contributing her knowledge to school districts across the country reflects positively on Newark and benefits the students and families we serve.”