A look at: Dr. Veronese

Daniel Chesser-The Auburn Villager Dr. Dennis Veronese serves as Auburn City Schools’ Chief School Financial Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance

*UPDATE* Dr. Veronese withdrew himself as a nominee and continues to serve in his current role as assistant superintendent. The interview process to hire the next Auburn City Schools superintendent started Jan. 24 and wrapped up this week. The Board of Education is anticipated to make a decision later this month.

The three-week series of interviews for Auburn City Schools' new superintendent has come to a close this week.

Community leaders met at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce once again to interview Dr. Dennis Veronese, the only internal candidate, Tuesday morning.

"We want to choose the very best candidate to lead your students, lead teachers and lead administration we hope for the next decade," said Laura Cooper, ACS Board president. "Our goal is to come to a consensus maybe sometime in the middle of February, but that is a soft-date.

"We are not going to rush the process and we want to make a decision we feel has an advantage for Auburn City Schools."

Veronese was employed in 1996 with the Alabama Department of Education before being employed by ACS in 2001 to work under ACS superintendent Dr. Terry Jenkins.

"I have had the opportunity to work with one of the finest superintendents in the state on a day-to-day basis for the last 10 years," Veronese said. "So I know I am ready for the challenge.

"So I would say to you that I am prepared to serve the students of this school district and the members of this community."

Veronese presently serves as the certified Chief School Financial Officer and Assistant Superintendent of Business and Finance for Auburn City Schools.

Veronese's current job description includes being responsible for the fiscal operation of the school district, student attendance, social services, residency, school zoning, capital planning, student health services, maintenance, transportation and athletics.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a master's degree in Education and a doctorate in educational Leadership from Auburn University.

Veronese through his professional and civic affiliations has actively participated on the boards of several state and local organizations. He and his wife, Anna, have four children (two sons and two daughters), who all attend city schools in Auburn.

"I have a personal and professional interest in the success of this school district," Veronese said.

A web portal is available online at auburnschools.org for people to visit and weigh-in on the three candidates.