Medina City Schools' treasurer Wally Gordon has announced his retirement effective April 30, 2012. Gordon has served as the treasurer for the past 23 years. The district's Board of Education has been in the search process for Gordon's replacement since his announcement. The Board approved the hire of James Hudson at its regular monthly meeting January 23, 2012.

Gordon said of his time serving the district, "I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with the Medina City Schools. I have been fortunate to work with many wonderful individuals within the district and in our community. I believe we have worked together as a team to address a number of financial issues over the years. I will always cherish the friendships and caring environment that I was fortunate to work in over my years with the Medina City Schools. I am proud to have been associated with the district."

Board president Bill Grenfell, stated, “I would like to thank Mr. Gordon for 23 years of exemplary service to the Medina City Schools. During his tenure, the Medina City Schools has doubled in size, adding one middle school, four elementary schools and a greatly expanded high school. His leadership and efforts during the last 23 years makes him one of the primary architects of the extraordinary school system this community so values. The community and school system owe their reputations as one of the finest in Northeast Ohio to Mr. Gordon and his skills.” “I also would like to welcome Mr. Hudson to the Medina City Schools and look forward to a long and beneficial relationship in the service of the Medina City Schools and the community.”

Hudson will be leaving his current district, Northridge Local School District, where he has served as the treasurer for close to two years. Prior to serving as treasurer at Northridge, Hudson worked for the Auditor of States Office for five years as an Audit Manager.

In his current position, Hudson implemented a Safety Committee which successfully received $14,245 in safety grants from the Bureau of Worker's Compensation; helped to facilitate negotiations with the Education Association that is projected to result in approximately $200,000 savings over the next two fiscal years; was instrumental in implementing an online payment system that has resulted in a 5 percent decrease in delinquent payments; and a number of other initiatives that helped to increase efficiencies within the district.

School board member and past president Susan Vlcek stated, "We have been actively looking for the right person to fill this position, and we feel we have found such a person in Jim Hudson. He has sound fiscal knowledge, has worked in both school and business settings, and invests himself in his community. We welcome him and his young family to our community."

Regarding his new position, Hudson said, “I am looking forward to working with the board, district administration, staff and community. I believe that I can bring expertise to the district that will be most helpful as we move forward to create a stable financial future for the school district.”

Hudson will begin with the district on March 1, 2012; he and Mr. Gordon will have the opportunity to work together to assure a smooth transition.