Albert Lea Area Schools officials announced Thursday Deputy Superintendent Lori Volz has accepted a position with Mankato Area Public Schools.

Volz started with the district in 2009 when she was hired as the director of finance and operations. She became deputy superintendent in October 2014. 

She previously worked for 15 years in Blue Earth and 11 years in Austin in the school finance field.

According to a press release, she will work as director business services for the Mankato district.

Superintendent Mike Funk said the loss of Volz is the “most significant loss to this school district and our community in a generation.”

“Lori Volz has personally benefited every employee, business owner and individual taxpayer in this community with her financial expertise,” Funk said.

The release stated the accomplishments during her tenure included:

• A $16.5 million facilities upgrade to the heating and ventilation systems in six buildings throughout the district. The projects were accomplished with minimal impact to taxes, through zero and low interest bonds, saving taxpayers $3.38 million.

• The implementation of $1.5 million wireless internet infrastructure throughout the district.

• Procurement of over 2,000 Chromebook/iPad devices for students and teachers.

• Establishment of a free onsite health clinic for over 900 employees and dependents covered under the district’s health insurance plan. This led to a decrease of 11 percent on prescription insurance claims in the clinic’s first years.

• Refinancing of the bond for Albert Lea High School, which resulted in savings of $1.14 million.

• Starting salary for Albert Lea teachers is over $41,000 — the highest in southern Minnesota.

• Tax decreases totaling 11.3 percent from 2013 to 2015.

Volt was born in Bricelyn and has lived with her family in Blue Earth.