Staff Spotlight: Mr. Tolar

*Assistant Treasurer*

By: BHS Staff Profiles 

March 21, 2025

Chosen for this week’s Staff Spotlight is Mr. Matt Tolar. Mr. Tolar has been the Assistant Treasurer in Brooklyn for a year and a half. Prior to Brooklyn, he worked as a teacher in Parma, Fairview Park, and Avon Lake. He was also a principal at a Catholic school in Parma. In his free time, he loves to go outside and play sports with his four children. A fun fact about him is that he played soccer in college and was on a futsal team, and his team ended up winning the U.S. Cup and later went to Germany to represent America back in 2006. His team ended up losing to South Africa, the team that eventually won the tournament. 

Q: Why did you decide to become a school treasurer? 

A: “I enjoy helping a district stay stable and fiscally responsible. I also enjoy helping people. I like to make sure that the aspect of my job is taken care of so students can come in and do their work. Knowing that I can provide the best service available is a nice thing, too.”

Q: What was the most significant life lesson ever taught to you? 

A: “Life is all about change and how you deal with the change. If you embrace the change and face it head-on, it is wonderful for your personal and professional growth.”

Q: How do you plan to spend your upcoming Summer?

A: “Well, my daughter plays volleyball, so I am hoping that her team possibly receives a bid, and we may be able to go on a mini vacation.”

Q: What is your favorite part about working in the Brooklyn City School District?

A: “I love the staff, and even though I do not get to interact with the students on a day-to-day basis, I enjoy walking down the hallways and seeing them be kids, having fun. Also, seeing them engaged in the classroom activities is something that warms my heart. It is a small district, which I like. I come from a big district, so I feel like Brooklyn is a great family-like community. Also, my wife is a Brooklyn Alumni.” 

Q: If you could go on your dream vacation, where would it be?

A: “Hawaii! I think it is beautiful, and I have heard nothing but wonderful things from people who I know have gone there. The only challenging part I hear is once you are there, you never want to leave. I want to be able to see the sights and enjoy the serenity, most of all.”

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

A: “When everything is off balance in my day. I have to have everything organized, and I have to make sure everything is put together, or else, my day is off. I need to have that structure to make sure that everything is in place.”

Q: Favorite sport? Favorite team to root for?

A: “Any Cleveland team. I do not want to say football because it has been a rough year, but I think baseball. I have been getting into baseball a bit more, and it is a cool sport. My dad and I have also been bonding over it a lot and my son, too, which is something special. Football is a little tough to watch these days, honestly.”

Q: What is one food that you will never try?

A: “Any sort of seafood. It does not appeal to me.”

Thank you for letting us interview you, Mr. Tolar. We appreciate all that you do and all of the hard work you put in, daily. Stay awesome!