Title: Chief Financial Officer
School: New Covenant Academy
Years at the School: 30
Superpower: Next-Level Leadership. Between 2012 and 2025, Marlys Schoenwetter stepped into a dual headship role with the chief academic officer, reporting directly to the board. During this period, she led finance, operations, technology, food services, human resources and development, while the CAO was responsible for all things academic. The arrangement was supposed to be temporary, but it lasted a successful 13 years. Although Schoenwetter is not formally retiring as CFO in the 2025–2026 school year, her role as “equal head of school” is transitioning as the school returns to a single headship — allowing her to resume more manageable hours and reclaim personal time after nearly 30 years of dedicated service.
Game Changer: When Schoenwetter was hired in 1995, she helped the school secure a municipal bond. The process was difficult and rigorous, but in the end, the city issued the bond with an interest rate of 1% below prime. “This was a game changer for the school,” said her nominator, Junior Kindergarten Director Kelly Sorci. In spring 2021, the $1.7 million municipal bond that helped the school launch and grow was paid off in full under Schoenwetter’s leadership.
Compensation Pro: Schoenwetter led the charge for systematizing employee salaries and benefits, and created a salary structure provides rigot to approximately 75% of the budget. The base salary is competitive with local public schools of a similar size.
From the Ground Up: In 2018, New Covenant Academy’s chapel was destroyed by a fire. Schoenwetter worked tirelessly with insurers, architects and administration to build a new structure. The project was completed without the school having to take on debt.
All About Integrity: “Her personal integrity is beyond reproach,” said Sorci. “Her attention to detail and ethics in finances, combined with her love for students and families, has made her an excellent and well-loved leader.”
