Poudre School District is excited to announce that Brian Gustafson has been hired as the new budget director.
Gustafson, who joined the PSD Finance Department team on July 25, will manage the budgeting functions of the district including financial planning and forecasting, department and school budgets and other funds. He will create financial reports and offer recommendations for district decision makers based on research, data and analysis.
“I really look forward to getting to know the district. I'm excited to meet district stakeholders and learn about the unique personalities and learning communities of each school,” he said.
Gustafson comes to PSD from Woodland Park School District in Colorado, where he worked as the executive director of Business Services since 2011 and before that, as a director of a high school athletics and activities program.
“I'm lucky to have served public schools in a variety of roles - high school teacher, coach, administrator, and school finance officer,” he said, adding that working in business services and finance is rewarding “because it is essential in making educational and career opportunities available for students, families, and staff throughout the community.”
Chief Finance Officer Dave Montoya and Finance Department staff are excited to welcome Brian to the team.
“His time in Woodland Park School District as the executive director of Business Services has prepared him to hit the ground running in his work with PSD schools and the Board of Education,” Montoya said. “We look forward to the year ahead and the knowledge and experience Brian will bring to the district as budget director.”
Out of the office, Gustafson shares his love of sports and athletic interests with students by coaching. He spent many years coaching high school golf and basketball teams at Woodland Park High School and served as an assistant men’s basketball coach at Colorado College from 2013 to 2021. As an educator, Gustafson said he’s always closely connected with the benefits of participating in co-curricular activities like competitive athletics.
“Whether as a player, coach, or spectator, sports continuously present participants with learning opportunities in pressure situations. Additionally, these activities foster close, life-long connections among people,” he said. “A great reward for me as a coach is in helping players learn about themselves while overcoming their own perceived limitations and confronting both failure and success.”
Gustafson has a master’s degree in Physical Education Sports Administration from the University of Northern Colorado and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Finance from Colorado State University.
Gustafson’s wife Lynette is a teacher at PSD’s new Timnath Middle-High School, which recently opened for the 2022-23 school year. They enjoy hiking, the arts, travelling, college sports, and coaching (volleyball and basketball) and “look forward to new outdoor and recreational adventures in the area.” Gustafson also loves to play golf.
Gustafson is a member of the Colorado Association of School Business Officials, Pikes Peak Area School Business Officials, National Association of Basketball Coaches and Colorado High School Coaches Association.