Board to consider appointing business manager as treasurer after solicitor input

Chair notified the committee that, given recent public concerns about conflicts of interest, the board would seek legal input and then place a treasurer appointment on next week’s agenda.

"I've asked the solicitor to provide an explanation ... as to the legal sufficiency of having the business manager serve as the treasurer for the board," Chair said. The committee heard from attorney Seth Byers, who said his practice historically advised that the business manager and treasurer can be the same individual because many treasurer duties are performed by the business office. "It's perfectly legally acceptable, for purposes of efficiency and ensuring that the business office has the clear legal authority to perform its financial responsibilities, to have the business manager serve as the treasurer for the board," Byers said.

Board members discussed possible safeguards. One director proposed forming a finance committee to provide additional oversight even if the roles are combined. Chair then proposed putting a re-election of Leanne Martin as the school board treasurer (effective July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, salary $0) on next week's agenda for full consideration.

Why it matters: residents at the meeting questioned delegation of fiduciary duties to administration; the solicitor’s preliminary opinion allows the board to proceed with appointing the business manager as treasurer but does not remove governance or oversight considerations. Directors signaled they will review legal guidance and consider procedural safeguards such as a finance committee before taking formal action.