Council approves placing school financial-accounting amendment on Nov. 3 ballot

The Glocester Town Council on July 27 approved placing a charter amendment question on the Nov. 3, 2026 ballot that would transfer managerial and financial accounting responsibility for the school department from the town Department of Finance to the superintendent of schools and the school committee while leaving school funds in the custody of the town treasurer and keeping disbursement review with the director of finance.

Town staff (S2) told the council the ballot question must be accompanied by a public explanatory statement and a red-line showing the charter change; staff and the clerk will prepare and publish those materials. Council member (S3) said the amendment’s built-in monthly reconciliation and quarterly certified reporting addressed oversight concerns: "I really like the monthly reconciliation and the quarterly financial reporting," the council member said. Supporters said the change aims to reduce role confusion and prevent the finance director from being pulled in two directions during disputes over spending.

Speakers discussed practical consequences including whether the school department would need to hire a business manager, how payroll and benefits access would be arranged, and the effect on the town budget. Town staff reminded the council that state law requires “maintenance of effort” funding for schools and that the town retains authority only over its contribution; staff noted state, federal and other revenue sources for schools would remain outside council control. The motion to place the amendment on the ballot passed on a voice vote; the transcript records a motion, a second, and vocal approval but does not record a roll-call tally.