LEWISTON — Elaine Runyon of Yarmouth has been hired as the new controller for the city's school department, Superintendent Bill Webster said.

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Elaine Runyon of Yarmouth is the new controller for the Lewiston School Department

Runyon, a former chief financial officer of AAA of Northern New England, was approved by a unanimous vote of the Lewiston School Committee on Monday night. She started her job Tuesday.

Runyon's annual salary is $77,000, Webster said. Her position is a new one and an additional administrative position in the School Department. To compensate, Webster said the salary of Business Manager Dean Flanagan will be covered through grant money.

Webster said the new position is needed because the School Department has reached a size that it needs better resources in financial control. “Our budget is a 150- to 200-page document. It's so easy to get lost in the trees,” Webster said.

The School Department has to improve its monthly reporting and move to an electronic payroll system, replacing the old-fashioned, pen-and-paper timekeeping system. Runyon will oversee both, he said.

“I'm pleased that Elaine is joining us," Webster said. "She has the academic background, the technical experience and the leadership skills which are particularly important in this position.”

Runyon worked for AAA for 13 years, and spent one year teaching ninth-grade algebra in Texas in the Rio Grand Valley area through the Teach for America Program.

Her teaching experience “was a game changer,” Runyon said Thursday. “It's what drew me to the Lewiston public schools. Professionally, I am a finance person, but I have a lifelong passion for education.”

Runyon has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, a Master of Business Administration degree and is a licensed certified public accountant.

She serves as treasurer for The Root Cellar, an interdenominational Christian group that works to help the youth and poor in Portland and Lewiston.

Webster said he's giving Runyon time to understand policies and procedures, but she'll help develop the next school budget. That budget is expected to be released to the School Committee on March 7, Webster said.

— Bonnie Washuk