Dennis‑Yarmouth panel transfers treasurer duties to new position, appoints John Farris

The Dennis‑Yarmouth Regional School Committee voted June 16 to transfer the district treasurer duties from a school committee member to a newly created treasurer position effective July 1, 2025, and to appoint John Farris to serve as treasurer.

Superintendent staff explained the transfer reflects statutory separation of duties that most similar districts follow, where a treasurer handles movement of funds and bank transfers and the business administrator manages budget, warrants and purchasing. The change follows the retirement of the assistant treasurer in the business office several months earlier and a district decision to create a standalone treasurer role that reports to the superintendent but is appointed by the school committee.

At the meeting the committee approved two sequential motions: one transferring the treasurer role to the approved job description effective July 1, 2025, and a second appointing John Farris to the position. The transfer motion passed on a recorded yea vote. Committee members then moved to appoint Farris; the committee approved the appointment by roll call. Votes recorded during the meeting included aye votes from Mister Glenn, Mister New, Mister Martin, Miss Landers, Miss Bemis and the chair.

Members asked about backup protocols if the treasurer is unavailable. The superintendent and staff described three contingency options discussed during planning: remote access for the treasurer, limited emergency bank access for the superintendent, and the accountant acting as a tertiary backup for extreme emergencies. The committee also discussed instituting quarterly treasury reports for oversight; staff proposed adding a distinct quarterly treasury report separate from quarterly budget reports and said the committee could consider adding an assistant treasurer or other backup arrangements later if operational experience shows a need.

The superintendent said the posting, interview and contract-negotiation processes preceded the appointment; the committee must make the formal appointment because the treasurer exercises statutory control over funds. The motions become effective July 1, 2025.