Mincey Brings Expertise to SLE

SEELEY LAKE - Heather Mincey is the new District Clerk/Business Manager for Seeley Lake Elementary (SLE). She brings 18 years of experience working in finance and accounting at the University of Montana (UM). She is looking forward to being able to be more a part of the community and help SLE continue to think outside the box when it comes to dealing with the biggest challenge, money.

Mincey was born in Missoula and was raised in Potomac. She has lived in Seeley Lake for the past 21 years.

"[Seeley Lake] is the farthest I've lived away from where I was born," said Mincey.

Mincey started working at the UM as a financial aid officer for her first eight years. She then became the officer manager for the School of Physical Therapy for the next 10 years of her employment with UM. She took classes during her lunch break towards her bachelors accounting degree, which was completed in 2014.

"I never had plans to leave the University since I had so many years in," said Mincey. "But when I saw this job open up, I thought, you know what, I've commuted for 18 years and I think it is time for a change."

Mincey is looking forward to working with younger students and plugging into the community. Because Missoula has changed so much over the past 18 years, Mincey said Seeley Lake is a better fit because people care for each other and has many of the ideals she shares.

"Missoula has more of a big city feel where people are so oblivious to people around them that they don't take the time to ask people how they are doing like in a small town," said Mincey. "In Seeley, people aren't in it for themselves. They honestly care about other people."

Mincey said while she has a lot to learn in her new position at SLE, there are many similarities. She worked with faculty, same as teachers; she worked with doctorate students and "they aren't any different than an eighth grader;" and she has years of experience doing government accounting.

Mincey said she is used to working with multi-million dollar accounting software at UM. At SLE they use Montana-made software. She has direct access to the owner of the software who is able to walk her through any problem over the phone.

"You get a level of service that you wouldn't get from the multi-million dollar companies," said Mincey.

In addition to learning the new software, the new accounting codes and the different state reporting requirements for the district, Mincey said her role at SLE is different than at the UM. She used to be the "office mom" for the School of Physical Therapy. At SLE, that is Suzie Teafoe's role and she sees her job as more behind the scenes with fewer interactions with students.

"That is probably a good thing because otherwise I wouldn't get anything done," said Mincey.

Mincey said she is looking forward to helping SLE think outside the box when it comes to the budget. She has had great mentors at UM that have helped her learn how to do the best job that she can as the office manager.

"Money is always your biggest challenge. You can only go to your taxpayers and try and get so much money. They might think you are overspending, not realizing that there are always increased costs," said Mincey.

Mincey brings her ability to negotiate with suppliers to reduce the cost. She said it worked well in her position at UM and she is looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish at SLE. She also will be looking for different grants and to explore other fund-generating options.

Mincey said there is a great network of District Clerks from western Montana rural schools that meet monthly during the school year.

"It took a huge weight off my shoulders. They said if I ever have any questions give any of us a call. We have all been in your shoes," said Mincey.

Mincey said she has no regrets leaving the UM.

"I'm really enjoying my drive [to SLE]," she said and smiled. "I'm excited to be back [in Seeley Lake full time] and be more involved in the community."