EPS announces hiring of new business director

Edina Public Schools (EPS) is pleased to announce the hiring of John Toop as Director of Business Services.

Toop comes to Edina following 14 years as Director of Business Services in Hopkins Public Schools. Previous to that, he had been Hopkins’ business services controller for six months, and business manager at Minnewaska Public Schools for 14 years. Toop’s experience includes financial forecasting, budget preparation and control, long-range enrollment projection, supervision of multiple departments in addition to business services, and facilitation of a financial advisory committee. He currently teaches school district finance at the University of Minnesota to students pursing their principal licensure.

Under his leadership, the Hopkins business services department has been recognized nine times with the Minnesota Department of Education Finance Award, and with the Association of School Business Officials’ Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting for seven years. Toop holds a bachelor’s degree in business economics from the University of Minnesota-Morris.

“It is with excitement, that I bring my 28+ years of experience to help continue the long standing tradition of excellence at Edina Public Schools,” Toop said. “I believe my knowledge and experience can be an asset to Edina as they, along with all other public school districts in the State of Minnesota, navigate the ever increasing, complex world of school finance. I look forward to working with the leadership team at EPS.”

Toop will officially join the district on July 1. He replaces Margo Bauck, Director of Business Services, who announced her retirement earlier this year.