The Liberty Hill ISD Board of Trustees was happy to announce the hiring of Vallery “Denise” Stone as the district’s new Chief Financial Officer at Monday's regular board meeting.

Stone brings more than 20 years of experience in Texas public school finance and leadership, with a proven track record of maximizing district resources, improving operational efficiencies, and supporting long-term financial stability. Throughout her career, she has served in key financial leadership roles in multiple Texas school districts, including most recently as Chief Financial Officer for Ennis ISD and previously for Lumberton ISD. She also spent 14 years as Director of Finance for Canton ISD.

In her leadership roles, Stone has overseen district financial services including budgeting, payroll, purchasing, risk management, tax collection, food service, public education information management system (PEIMS), transportation, and maintenance operations. She has successfully implemented cost-saving measures, improved departmental efficiencies, increased interest earnings through strategic financial management, and developed long-range plans that strengthened district financial health while supporting staff compensation and student needs.

During her tenure in previous districts, Stone helped reduce debt burdens resulting in millions of dollars in taxpayer savings, increased fund balances while maintaining annual salary increases, and guided districts through audits, compensation plan revisions, and major operational improvements.

Stone is an active member of the Texas Association of School Business Officials (TASBO) and the Texas Association of School Administrators (TASA) and holds TASBO Certified Texas School Business Official (CTSBO) certification. She has also served as a mentor to business officials across Texas and participated in numerous statewide finance and leadership programs.

“I am humbled and honored to be chosen as the next Chief Financial Officer of Liberty Hill ISD,” said Stone. “I am looking forward to working alongside all stakeholders to ensure the continued success of the District and am excited to be moving to such a beautiful community.”

Mrs. Stone and her husband Mike raised four children: Derrick who now lives in Arnold, Mo. with his wife Cassie; Jonathan and his wife Hannah, and Loren and her husband Danny who live in southeast Texas; and Adam who lives in Florence, Texas with his wife Jessica (a teacher in LHISD). Mike pastored for 30 years and is now serving as a Hospice Chaplain. They enjoy spending time with family and friends and traveling when they have the opportunity.  

Liberty Hill ISD looks forward to the experience, leadership, and collaborative approach Stone will bring to the district as it continues to support students, staff and the growing community. Welcome Denise!