The Oxford Hills board of directors has tasked interim Superintendent Jonathan Ross with leading an assessment of its business office operations as a first step to updating its systems. The district has contracted with BerryDunn of Portland to manage the review.

On Aug. 17 the board authorized spending up to $125,000 to complete the project. It is the latest phase of the board’s efforts to “rightsize and modernize” SAD 17’s operations and costs.

Over the past two years particular focus has been placed on facilities, infrastructure and energy use, utilizing performance contracts to transition to LED lighting and upgrade windows in all district buildings.

The LED lighting project saved SAD 17 $120,000 during the first year of service.

BerryDunn’s initial report is due by the end of this year. Its findings will be utilized by SAD 17’s current and future leadership to restructure administrative systems where appropriate. 

The accounting firm will also develop an implementation work plan for resourcing and improving a unit that oversees a $54.4 million school budget, payroll and benefits for more than 600 employees, as well as the district’s many contracts and grants.

“Fair and accurate compensation for district employees is essential,” Kevin Farnum, president of the Oxford Hills Educational Support Personnel Association, said. “We strongly support the board’s decision to conduct an assessment and look forward to working closely on the project with interim Superintendent Ross and the central office team.”   

“Recordkeeping must be accurate when it directly affects the wages, benefits and employment history of our staff,” said Jeni Jordan, president of the Oxford Hills Education Association. “Maintaining accurate employment records is critical to ensuring our staff receive the benefits and compensation they have earned.”

“We are modernizing our school district to get the most out of every dollar our property taxpayers contribute to local education,” board Chair Troy Ripley of Paris said. “This review will help us assess our financial operations, improve our stewardship of public dollars, and better keep our commitments to our 600 employees.

“The board appreciates and values the professionalism of the district’s finance team,

[ he said. “We are counting on their contributions as we assess and plan for the future of their department.”

The district includes Harrison, Hebron, Norway, Otisfield, Oxford, Paris, Waterford and West Paris.

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