Investing in the Future: How Hilton Central School District is Turning Data into Strength
School districts across the nation are being asked to do more with less. Rising costs, staffing challenges, and shifting student needs make financial stewardship more complex than ever. Yet, within this demanding environment, the Hilton (NY) Central School District has emerged as a model of clarity, collaboration, and forward-thinking strategy, thanks to the leadership of Assistant Superintendent for Business Adam Geist and Budget Director Jim Barrett.
When Adam and Jim first partnered with three+one, their goal was simple: to understand their cash position and ensure every public dollar was working at its highest potential. What followed was a transformation rooted in data, discipline, and vision—one that reflects their steadfast commitment to accountability and long-term financial health.
Today, the Hilton CSD has 70.4% of its strategic liquidity invested, more than double their initial level of 29.3%. That growth reflects a proactive approach to managing public funds with precision and purpose. By using cashVest insights to identify opportunities within their existing accounts, Hilton has strengthened its performance and maximized its earning power while maintaining safety and access to funds.
Their financial progress has been extraordinary. Hilton’s cashVest score climbed from 62 to 91—a 29-point improvement that placed them in the cashVest 90+ Club, joining top-performing public institutions across the country. Earnings have doubled, and the district has outperformed key benchmarks by more than 15%, a testament to what is possible when leadership aligns with actionable data.
Even more impressive, Hilton’s CSD continues to look ahead. The district is now implementing an electronic payment program to reduce paper checks, an innovation that will streamline processes and save both time and resources.
At every step, Adam Geist and Jim Barrett have shown what it means to lead with purpose and insight. Their work demonstrates how data-driven decisions can strengthen a school district’s financial foundation and, ultimately, enrich the learning environment for every student.
We are proud to celebrate Hilton Central School District’s remarkable progress and the example they set for districts nationwide: leading with insight, acting with intention, and investing in the future—one smart decision at a time.
