Wayland School Committee appoints Kirstine Patterson as director of finance and operations

The Wayland School Committee voted unanimously April 30 to appoint Kirstine Patterson as the district's next director of finance and operations, the committee announced during its regular meeting. The committee acted after a recommendation and a brief public introduction of Patterson.

Patterson, who currently holds the finance director role at Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School District, told the committee she was drawn to Wayland in part because of the chance to work with the district's incumbent finance director during a planned transition. "Knowing that [Susan] has been here really made it an easy interest to apply," Patterson said during her introduction, adding she was "very excited to be part of that growth and opportunity."

The superintendent (who introduced Patterson and recommended her appointment) told the committee Patterson impressed interview panels with a mock presentation on enrollment projections, familiarity with human-resources and finance functions, and prior experience including service as assistant superintendent for business and finance in Medford and roles in regional vocational districts.

Committee members asked Patterson about priorities for a small district facing budget pressures; she emphasized prioritizing, collaborative purchasing and making existing dollars go further. Committee members and staff described a transition plan that will include overlap between Patterson and the outgoing finance director so the district can maintain continuity through the fiscal year.

A motion to appoint Patterson passed on a voice vote. The committee asked that the candidate remain in her current district through June and begin in Wayland on July 1; the committee discussed a planned overlap of duties to ensure a smooth handoff.

The committee did not discuss contract terms in public beyond start timing and transition arrangements; any final employment documents will follow the district's normal hiring and approval processes.

Copies of Patterson's materials and the committee's formal appointment paperwork will be filed with the district office, and the committee indicated it will schedule any required follow-up communications with the town for administrative purposes.