SBCSC holds press conference to announce CFO ‘s departure

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- A top leader at The South Bend Community School Corporation, announced her resignation one day before classes begin.

Six years ago, Superintendent Todd Cummings brought in a team that he said he hoped would help bring the corporation out of a budget deficit and increase graduation rates.

Since then, at least five of those members have left the corporation including Kareemah Fowler who announced her departure Wednesday morning.

Fowler served as the school corporation’s CFO and Assistant Superintendent.

“Today we’re here to send another one of those teammates off to do amazing things,” said Dr. Cummings at a press conference held at the new headquarters building.

Fowler was elected as South Bend City Clerk in 2015, after being endorsed by former mayor Pete Buttigieg before leaving that role to handle the finances of South Bend Schools in 2019.

“Coming to South Bend Schools, I knew it would be difficult. We were facing the deficit so I came over the schools to help with a referendum,” said Fowler.

During her tenure, the corporation got through the coronavirus pandemic, the board passed 2 voter referendums, and she played an instrumental role in the creation of the “rightsizing” of the district, ultimately closing Clay High School and Warren Elementary.

“This administration has had to make some of the most difficult choices of any in any administration in my opinion in the history of South Bend Schools,” stated Fowler.

She said she is leaving the district with no regrets and believes all decisions were made in the best interest of the children in the district.

She could not yet say what is next for her, but she said it was her choice to leave.

“As I go on to my next journey in life, I’ll be able to spend a little bit more time with my family as well as continue to serve,” said Fowler.

Fowler believes she is leaving the district in good hands, with interim CFO, Anhaf Tahmid, who has been with the school corporation since 2022.

“I have always worked under Kareemah. I was mentored by her. She was a boss to me but more so she was a mentor to me so she has groomed me for the past three years, and I am excited for the new opportunity,”

Said Tahmid.

Fowler’s last day is September 30th.