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Overview
CESO helps school districts run smoothly by providing customized consulting, project management, and staffing support to optimize daily operations and implement long-term improvements. Its services span transportation, communications, human resources and organizational design, finance, facilities, technology, and nutrition. The product works through tailored partnerships with school communities of all sizes, delivering expert guidance, structured project management, and temporary or lasting staffing to meet district needs. What sets CESO apart is its dedicated focus on district operations across multiple domains and its emphasis on equitable, efficient learning journeys, backed by hands-on operations expertise rather than generic software. The company aims to enable district leaders to focus on student success by ensuring reliable operations and sustainable improvements over time.
About CESO
Industries
Consulting
Industrial & Manufacturing
Design
Real Estate
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded
2009
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Jason Mutzenberger joined CESO from Eden Prairie Schools in April 2026.
- CESO launched Building Engineering service line for optimized building performance.
- CESO expanded multi-disciplinary services including surveying and architecture nationwide.
What critics are saying
- Aggressive expansion dilutes civil engineering expertise causing client attrition.
- Stagnant $175.7M revenue lags benchmarks eroding margins versus AECOM.
- Overreliance on 10 offices stretches management triggering quality lapses.
What makes CESO unique
- CESO provides MEP engineering via Building Engineering led by Joe Hillebrenner.
- CESO operates 10-15 offices nationwide with 350+ associates under Steve Olson.
- CESO supports 230+ school districts with operational consulting expertise.
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Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Paid Time Off – Credited to You 100% Upfront
401K with a Company Match
Paid Holidays
Medical / Dental / Vision Coverage
Reimbursement for Professional Licenses
Paid Time Off for Community Team Service Events
Voluntary or Supplemental Short-Term / Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program
Company Paid Bonding and Recovery
Employee Events such as Lunches and Outings to Foster a Positive Work Environment
Training and Development to Foster Professional Growth
Company News
Jason Mutzenberger, executive director of business services for the past nine-plus years at Eden Prairie Schools (EPS), is leaving the district to join the Center for Effective School Operations (CESO), a Minneapolis-based consulting firm that provides operational support services to more than 230 school districts in the U.S. and Canada.
Despite some challenges, both website launches went great and Ceso even won NSPRA awards and a Finalsite Double Diamond Award, but I definitely swore off ever doing a new website again after each launch.
CESO is Hiring for 52 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today
About CESO
Industries
Consulting
Industrial & Manufacturing
Design
Real Estate
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Founded
2009
CESO is Hiring for 52 Jobs on Simplify!
Find jobs on Simplify and start your career today