You won’t see her on the front lines of a classroom, but Michelle Brown is an indispensable force at Unity Point School District. As the business manager for the district, Brown handles everything from payroll and budgeting to ensuring the playgrounds are safe and the classrooms are well-equipped. Behind her desk, Michelle is responsible for the financial well-being of Unity Point, and her careful stewardship of business matters allows the district to thrive in ways most people don't even realize.

Michelle's journey to this role was not a direct one. Originally, she worked as a CPA, managing school audits at an outside firm for District 95, among others, an experience that ultimately led her to a new passion: making a tangible difference in the public school system. After several years of balancing the books from the outside, she transitioned to the in-house District 95 team, and then, five years ago, she came to Unity Point, bringing her formidable accounting skills along with her. For her, it was not just about numbers—it was about putting her knowledge to use in a way that could directly benefit the students and the community. “I’m a numbers person, through and through,” Michelle says with a smile, “but it’s different when you see those numbers making a difference in people’s lives.”

While Michelle's daily routine revolves around financial statements and tax levies, it’s her involvement in the district's larger projects that shows her true range. One of the projects she's most proud of is the district's upcoming solar panel initiative. The $1 million project— financed through debt certificates and tax incentives—will generate significant energy savings for the district. “We’re expecting about a 67% offset in energy costs once the panels are installed,” she explains. “It’s going to save us a lot of money, but it’s also a way to show the students that we care about the environment and the future.”

Another major project is the overhaul of the school playground, a significant investment of over $500,000. But this isn't just any playground. Unity Point is ensuring that the new equipment will be all-inclusive, providing play options for children with special needs. “We have kids in our Choices program who don’t have access to equipment designed for them,” Michelle says. “This playground is going to change that.”

While her role as business manager keeps her mostly behind the scenes, Michelle has a more personal connection to Unity Point. She’s not only a district employee, but also a parent of two children in the district. “I see it from both sides,” she notes. “As a mom, I’m always impressed by the dedication of our teachers and staff. As a business manager, I’m proud of what we’re able to provide for the students, from great facilities to innovative programs.”

It’s that dual perspective that keeps Michelle invested in her work. “My daughter’s kindergarten teacher came to four of her softball games,” Michelle shares, laughing. “She went to more games than my own parents did! That’s just the kind of relationships our teachers build with students here.”

For Michelle, Unity Point is more than just a school—it’s the center of the community. Between sports practices, Girl Scout meetings, and environmental clubs, the campus is rarely quiet. “This place is like a second home for so many kids,” she says. “It’s where they spend their days and their nights, whether they’re learning or just having fun. We try to keep the building in such a way that they know it’s theirs, a place they can be proud of.”

Michelle is humble when it comes to her impact, often deflecting credit to the teachers and students who make Unity Point the special place it is. But her contributions are undeniable. Whether she’s managing a half-million-dollar playground upgrade or making sure the school’s financial ship stays afloat, Michelle is the quiet powerhouse helping Unity Point shine.