Christine Vayda
Christine Vayda (She/Her) is a seasoned Business Administrator at Epping School District (SAU14) in Epping, New Hampshire, where she has served for the past five years. Christine oversees a wide range of district operations, including facilities, technology, food service, human resources, payroll, and accounts payable. In this multifaceted role, she balances fiscal responsibility with community collaboration, always seeking sustainable solutions to support education while managing budgetary challenges. Her days are dynamic, from meeting with vendors to assisting staff, reflecting her adaptability and dedication to the district’s success. Christine began her professional journey in banking, working with financials and financial systems, which provided a strong foundation in fiscal management. She then transitioned to education and community services as a job developer for students with disabilities, helping them gain hands-on learning and meaningful work experiences through tailored job placements. This work led her to school districts, where she was initially recruited as a special education secretary. Leveraging her financial expertise, Christine quickly advanced through roles in payroll, human resources, and accounts payable, eventually becoming Assistant Business Administrator at Pembroke School District before joining Epping as Business Administrator. Christine holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management, and Operations from Southern New Hampshire University, where she was honored with the National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Pi Honor. Her career reflects a unique blend of financial acumen, operational leadership, and a commitment to inclusive education. Colleagues recognize her for her proactive problem-solving, strong relationships with staff and community partners, and dedication to ensuring that students and schools thrive within sustainable budgets.
• ACRE Certified
• Southern New Hampshire University - BSBA
• Tyler Excellence Award 2023
• National Society of Leadership and Success, Alpha Pi Honor
• New Hampshire Association for School Business Officials (NH ASBO)
• Chair of Facilities Masters Conference for NH ASBO
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a commitment to continuous learning, strong communication, and meaningful collaboration with both staff and the broader community. I believe that staying engaged, remaining open to improvement, and working closely with others has enabled me to effectively lead and manage complex school operations. I am deeply passionate about professional development and strive to ensure that all staff feel supported and have meaningful opportunities to grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I always encourage others to pursue their goals and commit to continuous learning. Getting involved in professional organizations like the New Hampshire Association of School Business Officials is invaluable for truly understanding the complexities of school district budgeting and finance—because school finance is unlike any other sector.
It’s important to lean on others in your profession, actively participate in meetings, and take full advantage of opportunities to learn and grow. Strong engagement with your staff is essential—promote leadership from within and build systems that empower others to succeed.
At the core of every decision, students must come first. Equally important is maintaining a strong presence in your community. The more trust you build with your community and your board, the more effectively you can lead, make informed decisions, and move your district forward.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges facing our profession right now is that the New Hampshire Department of Education no longer recognizes school business administrators under its certification structure. As a result, there is currently no statewide requirement for individuals in these roles to hold specific credentials, which is deeply concerning.
While we may not work directly with students in the classroom, the decisions we make have a significant impact on every aspect of a school district. Without a strong understanding of school finance, operations, and departmental needs, there is a real risk of long-term harm—especially as districts across New Hampshire continue to face budget shortfalls.
The funding structure in New Hampshire adds another layer of complexity. The state provides roughly $4,000 per student, while the average cost to educate a student is closer to $21,000. This creates a substantial funding gap that is largely absorbed by local taxpayers. In practical terms, for a $25 million school district budget receiving only about $3 million in state aid, the remaining burden falls heavily on property taxes.
As conversations around changes in education continue, the financial implications will directly impact school districts. Balancing community expectations, fiscal responsibility, and student needs will require strong leadership and expertise. Navigating these challenges over the next several years will not be easy, and it underscores the importance of having knowledgeable, well-prepared professionals in these roles.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, I value transparency, accountability, community collaboration, and fiscal responsibility. I believe that maintaining open and consistent communication between the school district, the school board, and the community is essential to building trust and ensuring sound, responsible decision-making. Strengthening that transparency across all stakeholders is one of the most meaningful contributions I’ve been able to make in my role.
In my personal life, I prioritize time with my family. I have two children, ages 19 and 22, and two grandchildren. When I’m able to step away and relax, we enjoy spending time on the ocean—boating, fishing, and simply unwinding together.