Kathy Abela Named 2024–25 Oakland County School Business Administrator of the Year
Royal Oak Schools is proud to announce that Kathy Abela, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, has been named the 2024–2025 Oakland County School Business Administrator of the Year by the Oakland County School Business Officials (OCSBO). The award was presented on Friday, May 9, 2025, during the organization’s meeting at Oakland Schools’ Main Campus in Waterford.
Since 1998, the OCSBO has annually honored one outstanding school business leader for their exceptional service, commitment to best practices, and dedication to excellence in education.
“Kathy brings more than two decades of school district accounting experience and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said OCSBO President Matthew McDaniel. “As the district’s lead Business Official, she manages every aspect of district finances and leads critical operational departments, including Custodial, Maintenance, Transportation, and Food Service. Her oversight of bond dollars, sinking funds, grant allocations, and the annual audit process reflects her deep expertise and dedication to responsible stewardship of public resources.”
Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick praised Abela’s leadership and impact on the district.
“Royal Oak Schools finances have been well-served by Ms Abela's oversight and keen eye on details. She is highly deserving of this recognition. Working alongside Ms. Abela for the last eight years has been a pleasure as we've served the needs of our community together."
Under Abela’s leadership, Royal Oak Schools has consistently received unmodified opinions during annual financial audits—the highest possible rating—demonstrating her commitment to transparency, compliance, and operational integrity.
Her extensive professional contributions include:
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Serving as OCSBO President (2021–22), Vice President (2020–21), and Secretary/Treasurer (2019–20)
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Participating on Oakland Schools’ implementation and advisory teams for BusinessPlus financial and HR software
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Contributing to the Time and Attendance software RFP committee
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Supporting the creation of the OCSBO Mentorship and Business Office Residency programs
Abela has also been an active member of the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) since 2016, earning the respect of peers throughout Oakland County and across the state.
“Being named the Oakland County School Business Administrator of the Year is an incredible honor,” Abela shared. “This recognition reflects my dedication and the collective efforts of the team I’ve had the privilege to work with. I deeply thank the Oakland County School Business Officials for this acknowledgment. It reinforces my commitment to continue striving for excellence in school business administration and to support the educational community in every way possible.”
Kathy Abela’s recognition reflects the district’s ongoing mission to provide an inclusive, diverse, safe, and student-first environment through excellence in operations, leadership, and collaboration.