Paying the Bills, Powering Schools: A Conversation with Helen Giba

Today, we’re taking a look behind the scenes at one of the most essential roles in keeping Momence Schools running smoothly. Often, when we think about the people who make a school function, we think about teachers, coaches, principals, and counselors. But there’s an entire team working behind the scenes to ensure that bills get paid, budgets are balanced, and the financial foundation of the district stays strong. Today, I’m sitting down with Helen Giba, Momence High School’s longtime Assistant Bookkeeper who serves as the Accounts Payable Clerk, someone who has dedicated decades to the district—not just as an employee, but as a member of a family that has walked these hallways for generations. Helen's story is one of dedication, community, and the quiet yet powerful impact of financial stewardship in public education. We talk about what brought her to this work, how she’s seen the district evolve over the years, and the special kind of connection that comes with seeing multiple generations of students come through Momence Schools—including some of her own children. She even shares a few fun behind-the-scenes stories about the realities of school finance—including what happens when receipts don’t quite meet the audit requirements. It’s a great conversation with a great person, and I’m excited for you to hear it.