Miami-Dade schools CFO to leave district for Barry University

Ron Steiger, the chief financial officer who oversees Miami-Dade County Public Schools' $7.4 billion budget, will leave the nation's third-largest school district next month to join Barry University.

Steiger's final day with the district will be Monday, Aug. 10. He will become Barry University's chief financial officer and vice president for business and finance, the private Catholic university in Miami Shores announced Tuesday, July 15.

Steiger spent decades with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, advancing from executive director to assistant chief budget officer, then chief budget officer before becoming the district's top financial officer.

Departure comes as district faces enrollment decline

Steiger's departure comes as Miami-Dade County Public Schools continues to grapple with declining enrollment.

The district enrolled about 13,200 fewer students during the 2025-26 school year than the previous year, according to WLRN, as families relocated to more affordable communities.

Because Florida funds school districts largely on a per-student basis, enrollment losses reduce district revenue. That funding also supports district-authorized charter schools, including Aventura City of Excellence School and Don Soffer Aventura High School.

"It's not unprecedented that we're dealing with a serious problem," Steiger told WLRN in March while discussing the district's enrollment challenges. "What's unprecedented is this particular problem that we're dealing with."

Oversaw $7.4 billion budget

Superintendent Jose Dotres credited Steiger with helping ensure the district directed 96% of its budget to school-level services, according to a statement provided to WLRN.

The School Board adopted the district's current $7.4 billion budget on Sept. 10, 2025, setting the property tax millage rate at 6.633 mills, down slightly from 6.699 mills the previous year.

District budget documents show that 76.2% of spending is dedicated to classroom instruction and direct student services. The budget also includes reserve funds to help offset anticipated revenue losses tied to declining enrollment and fewer newly arrived immigrant students.

Financial reporting earns national recognition

Under Steiger's financial leadership, Miami-Dade County Public Schools continued its long-running record of financial reporting excellence.

In June 2026, the Government Finance Officers Association awarded the district its Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 41st consecutive year.

Barry University President Mike Allen praised Steiger's record in announcing the appointment.

"He has earned trust across South Florida by bringing clarity to complex issues and keeping the needs of the community at the center of his work," Allen said.