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School committee approves in‑district accountant to replace some contracted accounting services
Summary
The Blackstone–Millville School Committee approved reorganizing the business office to hire a full‑time district accountant (projected salary range $75,000–$85,000), ending some contracted CPA services with the committee saying the change strengthens internal controls and is budget‑neutral or nearly so.
The Blackstone–Millville Regional School Committee on June 13 approved a business office reorganization that will replace part of the district's contracted accounting services with a full‑time, in‑district district accountant.
Superintendent Jason DeFalco and Director of Finance and Operations Joseph Spagner presented the plan, saying the move would consolidate a part‑time accounts‑receivable role and outside CPA work into one 12‑month staff position expected to be posted as a district accountant (salary range projected between $75,000 and $85,000, with a top salary of $85,000).
Spagner said the change preserves separation of duties and adds a second set of eyes on journal entries and cash reconciliation: "it's going to provide oversight on me," he said, arguing that an in‑house accountant would strengthen internal controls. He added the district currently spends approximately the same amount on the part‑time accounts receivable position and contracted CPA services and that the proposed hire would be budget‑neutral or close to it.
DeFalco told the committee the change builds in capacity and a bench if the district lacks a finance director in the future, saying the move "makes a lot of sense" given the district's needs for daily oversight.
Committee members asked about the job description, contract end dates and union implications. Spagner confirmed the existing third‑party contract expires June 30 and that the staffing adjustments are intended to avoid service gaps; the part‑time position would be converted such that the employee remains whole and the district would not cut services to staff.
The committee moved and approved the reorganization, including a job description and related personnel placement. The committee also noted the district plans to keep the former contractor as an on‑call resource if transitional overlap is needed.
What happens next: The district will post the district accountant position, begin recruitment under the posted job description and work with HR on hiring timelines; the committee approved the reorganization and job description at the meeting.
