School Committee proposes new treasurer position to enhance financial oversight

The Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District is set to undergo a significant restructuring of its financial oversight with the proposed creation of a dedicated treasurer position, moving away from the traditional model where the role was held by a school committee member. This change aims to enhance the district's financial management and ensure compliance with statutory requirements regarding the separation of financial duties.

During the school committee meeting on May 5, 2025, district officials discussed the need for a more robust financial structure following the retirement of the assistant treasurer. The current system, which has relied on the assistant treasurer for essential financial functions, is deemed insufficient for the district's needs. The proposed treasurer role will be part-time and filled by an individual with a strong business background, tasked with overseeing the district's cash flow, fund transfers, and investments.

The restructuring is designed to align with best practices observed in other regional school districts, such as Cape Cod Tech, which also operates with distinct roles for a director of finance and a treasurer. This separation is crucial to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that the individual responsible for writing checks is not also managing the funds.

The school committee is expected to vote on the job description for the new treasurer position, with plans to post the position and fill it by July 1, 2025. This move is anticipated to streamline financial operations and provide clearer accountability within the district's governance structure.

In addition to the treasurer discussion, the meeting included a review of administrative tasks that will be redistributed among the central office staff, ensuring that the transition does not disrupt ongoing operations. The committee is poised to take decisive action that will not only improve financial oversight but also enhance the overall efficiency of the district's administrative functions.