Preston searching for new school and town finance director
Preston — The town and school district are searching for a new finance director after six-year director John Spang departed on Friday for a position in Danbury.
Spang had worked four days a week as the school district finance director and one day on the town government side, a split town officials plan to continue going forward, First Selectwoman Sandra Allyn-Gauthier said.
The town has advertised immediately for an interim finance director, but received no applicants by the initial Sept. 17 deadline, Superintendent Roy Seitsinger said. The position will be circulated among various organizations, such as the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education and other entities, Allyn-Gauthier said.
In the meantime, Preston will use a combination of internal staff and hired contractors, including from the regional education center, LEARN, and from CCM. Some current employees with financial experience and duties will be asked to take on added responsibilities, Allyn-Gauthier said.
She and Seitsinger will meet soon to discuss the job description and advertising for the permanent position. The interim position is advertised to run through Dec. 1, but Allyn-Gauthier said it's more important to conduct a thorough search than to set a deadline.
“I’m not sure how long it will take,” Allyn-Gauthier said. “You want to take your time to fill that position.”
She said Spang and his new employer at the Danbury school system have agreed to assist the town in the interim, with remote meetings or consultations, and in person if necessary, when a new director is selected.
Allyn-Gauthier and Seitsinger said they told the Board of Finance last week about Spang’s departure and the search process.
Also this fall, Preston is searching for the town’s first hired town treasurer. Long-time elected Treasurer Susan Nylen will retire at the end of her term in November, and the Board of Selectmen voted in April to convert the position to a hired appointee.
Allyn-Gauthier said selectmen hope to screen applicants and interview candidates and make an offer to a candidate in early October. The person would begin in mid-November, with Nylen available to assist with the transition, Allyn-Gauthier said.
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