The scenario Douglas had discussed with Peterson was a computer software update following changes in the borough's computer system. It offered an opportunity to examine everything the district did payroll, human resources, purchasing, you name it. What, if anything, could be done differently? New practices meant developing training for all impacted personnel. Once done, the system had to be tested, tweaked as needed and retested.

It was, as Douglas described it, "a monumental project," something a project manager is hired to do in the private sector.

"In the public sector, we don't have those kinds of funds," said Douglas, to whom the two-year project fell.

What the district did have was Dave Jones, formerly with the Kodiak Island Borough School District. Jones was hired as a KPBSD assistant superintendent, overseeing human resources, information services, and planning and operations. The business management expertise he brought to the district came at the perfect time.

"He was able to take over some of the activities I had responsibility for, allowing me to focus on making sure the software conversion went well and that we were taking care of business,"

It also paved the way for Douglas to retire, seamlessly handing over and dividing her duties between Jones and Laurie Olson, former chief accountant with the district who has been promoted to director of finance.

"It's not like I'm walking out the door and nobody knows what I'm doing," Douglas said.

In fact, Douglas is very well known for what she has done as KPBSD's chief financial officer. A graduate of the University of the State of New York, with a bachelor of science in business administration, Douglas' management of KPBSD's annual audit and financial statement preparation has earned the district a certificate of excellence award; her management of the district's budget development process earned the district a meritorious budget award. She served as president of the Association of School Business Officials International, was executive director of the Alaska ASBO, chaired the ASBO affiliate executive director's group, was president of Alaska ASBO and was named the Alaska ASBO School Business Official of the Year in 2007. Her list of memberships, committee posts, presentations and publications is lengthy.

Peterson, who retired earlier this year, had high praise for Douglas' contributions.

"She had tremendous national influence," Peterson said. "We knew she had it at the state level, but we just didn't have it in our brains how much of a difference she was making. She was gaining incredible national attention that we knew little about locally. She was very humble about it."

Alaska legislators also recognized and turned to Douglas for input.

"We could count on her having really in-depth analysis and being very up-front with us as to what the financial impacts of any question would be," said Rep. Paul Seaton, R-Homer. "She was very well thought of and respected."

Sunni Hilts of Seldovia, who represents areas of the southern Kenai Peninsula on the school board, witnessed firsthand the respect Douglas garners.

"Everywhere you go, if you try to explain something financial and you say, 'Well, Melody said,' it's accepted," Hilts said.

While appreciating Douglas' effort to ensure a smooth transition, Hilts said she is all too aware of what the district will be losing.

"She's such a classy person. I don't think there's any way to over-estimate what we're losing," said Hilts.

Liz Downing, who represents Homer on the school board, recognized Douglas' impact on each KPBSD student.

"She is one of the most ethical, intelligent, accessible administrators we could ever hope to have," Downing said. "She was able to squeeze every bit of classroom support out of every dollar we received from the Legislature. She made it possible for us to have one of the highest (ratios) of classroom dollars to administrative dollars of any district. We never went to Juneau without having her personal cell phone number in our pockets. She made sure if there was any question, day or night, we'd be able to give her a call. That's dedication."

Douglas, a lifelong Alaskan, said she is looking forward to spending time working on her home in Soldotna and a cabin in Interior Alaska. Eventually, she would like to offer her services as a consultant to smaller school districts in Alaska.

With her Nov. 30 departure date approaching, as she looked back at her tenure with the district, Douglas had kind words to say about the people of Homer.

"I would like to acknowledge and thank the Homer community," Douglas said. "They have always been the best to attend any meeting that I've had relative to budget. Homer, and I'm not exaggerating, had the highest turnout always of any community. I would like them to know I recognize that and appreciate that."

She also was aware that Homer didn't always agree with her on budget matters.

"And that's OK," she said. "I knew when I was down there presenting, I had engaged, interested people. That was a blessing to me in the work that I do."

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com. Peninsula Clarion reporter Dante Petri contributed to this story.