District struggles to fill Director of Finance role; committee considers search-firm options

The superintendent told the committee on Feb. 9 that the district remains actively recruiting for the Director of Finance and Operations position but has not yet landed a candidate acceptable to the committee. The administration presented a sample search-firm proposal (low-tier cost cited at $46,650) and discussed more comprehensive options that run higher and can include guaranteed candidate slates.

Committee members described the challenging market and salary competition from larger districts (cited examples paying well above the district’s budgeted range). The administration described the range of candidates reviewed—municipal accountants, small-district business managers and entry-level applicants—and the mentorship and training that would be required for some prospects to adapt to Massachusetts regional-district responsibilities.

Options discussed included continuing the current internal recruitment, commissioning a higher-tier search firm to guarantee a vetted slate, pursuing an interim appointment, or reorganizing duties to absorb critical finance tasks while recruiting continues. The committee agreed to continue recruiting and to consider more resourced search options if internal efforts do not produce a qualified finalist.

The superintendent requested committee feedback and pledged to return with additional recruitment proposals and any recommended interim arrangements.