BUFFALO TWP — Freeport School District has a new business director for the first time in 40 years.

Ryan Manzer, 30, of Shaler in Allegheny County, who replaced William Reilly, is being paid an $85,000 annual salary.

Manzer, a certified public accountant, was the assistant finance director at Pine-Richland School District.

He said working at Freeport was an appealing proposition.

“Freeport is in good financial shape,” Manzer said. “They have a good administrative team.”

He said his goal is to continue the district’s low cost per student and maintain updated, accurate financial information.

Superintendent Chris DeVivo commented on Manzer’s hiring through a quote e-mailed from district spokesman Todd O’Shell.

“We welcome Mr. Manzer as part of our administrative team and his varied experiences in the financial field,” DeVivo wrote. “The school district is fortunate to have his leadership to guide us as we yearly strive toward fiscal responsibility and educational improvement.”

Manzer praised Reilly for his efforts over the years.

“He’s done a great job,” Manzer said.

Before working at Pine-Richland, Manzer was a financial analyst for PPG Industries and a senior associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

He made the switch from private industry to government work in 2010.

“It was just a good opportunity,” Manzer said.

He plans to eventually relocate his family — his wife and three children — closer to the district.