Hanover County Public Schools’ (HCPS) Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations has received the top award from the Virginia Association of School Business Officials (VASBO).
Christina Berta, who has served as the HCPS assistant superintendent since June 2021, was recently recognized as the 2022 VASBO Cardinal Award Winner, the organization’s premier honor given to one of its members each year for exemplifying professionalism, leadership, and innovation in the field of school business management. Berta is the first recipient of the prestigious award to represent a Central Virginia school division
since the award’s inception in 2009.
“It is an honor to receive this recognition, especially considering the phenomenal colleagues who have received the award previously,” Berta said of receiving the award, candidates for which are nominated by their peers from across the state. “I am truly humbled to have been nominated and ultimately selected as the recipient of this recognition.”
She added: “Throughout my career, I have prided my work on providing leadership and support to the teams I work with and to remain focused on student-centered decision making. At the forefront of my work are the students we serve, and I believe in making decisions that ensure we provide students with the resources and opportunities they need to be successful. This motto has kept me grounded and enjoying the work I perform daily.”
Berta, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Catawba College and her Master of Business Administration from Strayer University, has 16 years of experience in school business management. In her current role, she serves as the Chief Financial Officer for HCPS and oversees the departments of transportation, school nutrition, school facilities, budget and finance, technology, and the Hanover Education Foundation.
“Her credibility in her role is vital to both the immediate and long-term success of the school division,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Gill, touting, among other things, a unanimous vote on Berta’s first HCPS budget, which
includes a 5% raise for all employees and other substantive investments. “We take seriously our motto, A Tradition of Excellence, and Christina Berta has both maintained and enhanced that proud tradition. We are fortunate to have someone with her level of experience, expertise, and professionalism leading many of the critical areas of the school division that impact our students, employees, and families daily.”
VASBO Executive Director Brandon Monk said
the Cardinal Award recognizes a prestigious milestone for school business officials in Virginia.
“We are so excited to recognize Christina Berta for her unending commitment to our profession and the continued work she does for the betterment of our schools and students across the Commonwealth,” Monk said.
VASBO is a nonprofit organization that represents school business professionals across the state. Berta has previously served as the organization’s president.