Webster Area board accepts business manager Gloria O'Farrell's resignation, thanks her two decades of service

The Webster Area School District board on Jan. 7 voted to accept the resignation of business manager Gloria O'Farrell, commending her for roughly two decades of service guiding the district's finances.

Board chair moved the motion to accept O'Farrell's resignation; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. During discussion, multiple trustees described O'Farrell as meticulous with audits and financial statements and credited her with helping deliver major capital projects including a new high school, elementary remodel and CTE wing.

"You get it down to the last cent," one trustee said, praising O'Farrell's attention to minute budget details. Another trustee said the district had been "extremely lucky" to have her leadership on the business office and thanked her for timely, thorough responses to board questions.

Trustees also noted the district's general fund and capital-outlay work as areas where O'Farrell's management had been important. The board discussed the heightened risks of electronic payment fraud in recent years and said that strong business-office controls made it easier for the board to trust the numbers presented.

Several speakers referred to O'Farrell informally as "Lori" or "Laurie" during remarks; the board motion and minutes identify her formally as Gloria O'Farrell, business manager. The board did not announce an immediate replacement plan during the meeting.

The acceptance of the resignation was recorded as a formal action. The board expressed appreciation and asked staff to convey thanks on the board's behalf.

Next steps: the board did not set a timetable in the meeting for recruiting a successor; trustees said they would follow up with administration about transition planning and public notification.