There are several challenges awaiting Dr. Phil Cagwin in his new post as interim superintendent of Monroe Local Schools. Paramount among them are overseeing a district with an operating deficit and building support for a crucial levy on the ballot this fall.

The Monroe school district has been in a state of fiscal emergency since May 10, with an operating budget deficit of $2.2 million and a bond retirement debt of $3.1 million. A 5-year, 7.05-mill emergency operating levy that would generate $2.5 million per year was narrowly defeated in August. The same levy is on the November ballot.

Cagwin officially takes over as interim superintendent this week, less than a year since he retired as superintendent of Talawanda City Schools.

“I’m coming in where there’s a situation where there’s not very much that we can still cut,” Cagwin said. “I’m going to come in and try to solidify the efforts of the levy committee, and help the faculty deal with the difficulties of running a bare bones organization and instructional program, and try to do the very best with what we have.”

Cagwin, 59, has worked part-time as a consultant for Miami University’s School of Education, Health and Society during his retirement. He said he wanted to have more impact on education, and this job offered that opportunity.

“I think most educators feel that they’re in their job because they want to help somebody,” Cagwin said. “They want to help society or young people. In the back of my mind, I guess I was wondering, ‘Would this be a job that I could do that would help somebody?’ ”

When Cagwin met with Monroe school board members and treasurer Holly Cahall, he said he was sold on the position with Monroe Schools.

“I had always known that Monroe was a very strong community and a very strong school system,” he said. “And we at Talawanda were envious of this beautiful building. What a beautiful educational environment they had here. So I knew what they had, and I knew a couple of the teachers at Monroe and respected them highly. I figured there were so many positives here, it was worth doing what I could do here to help.”

Board member Amie Earls said Cagwin was a perfect fit for the position.

“He was very highly recommended by many people, and we really appreciated his willingness to join the district in such a troubled time,” Earls said.

“Dr. Cagwin brings a really optimistic attitude and approach,” she said. “I think that will be helpful and he’ll have an easy connection with our staff.”

Cagwin’s biggest challenge will be to continue the progress the board has made to overcome the district’s financial woes, Earls said.

“I think it’s going to be an important endeavor for him to help communicate to the public how crucial it is for the levy to pass in November,” she said.

Cagwin said he willll meet with staff members Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I’m here to support people,” he said. “When we sit here and talk about the hardships, well, certainly you don’t want anything to hurt the students and their learning environment. But secondarily, your employees, who are the most valuable asset in any school system, are truly under a great deal of stress. And so I hope to get in there and support them.”

Cagwin will work with outgoing superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Lolli, who will serve in an advisory role within the Butler County Educational Service Center. Lolli has agreed to stay on through the transition period.