School Business Administrator

The Gateway Regional School District is seeking a School Business Administrator to lead the district in all employment and personnel matters. This position is anticipated to begin on March 1, 2025, but can be flexible to meet the individual and district’s needs. The School Business Administrator serves as the principal advisor and leader of the Gateway Regional School District in matters related to finance, budget, and procurement. The School Business Administrator also provides leadership in the areas of facilities, food services, safety/security, and transportation. The School Business Administrator operates within the framework of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, the rules and regulations of the Department of Education, the Department of Revenue, and the Bureau of Accounts. Other obligations are to the policies of the Gateway Regional School District and collective bargaining agreements of all employee groups. QUALIFICATIONS: 1.Massachusetts certification as a school business administrator or eligible for certification. 2.Master’s degree or an earned higher academic degree. 3.Minimum of three years experience in business or schools. 4.Some administrative experience preferred. 5. Experience with regional school districts, preferred 6. Effective interpersonal and leadership skills; experience facilitating communication among divergent groups and leading group decision-making 7.Effective administrative and management skills, including demonstrated success as an office manager 8. Excellent speaking and writing skills, including the effective utilization of computers, technology, and information management tools This position is a full time, 12 month administrative position. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Financial Planning and Fiscal Systems Direct and evaluate all financial affairs of the district including activities of central office personnel, all funds, accounting, reporting procedures, and investment of monies. This includes student activities accounting and fiscal management of grants. Act as Chief Procurement Officer for the District and directs appropriate purchasing procedures in accordance with Chapter 30B and sound business practices. Coordinate development and implementation of annual budget timeline calendar(s) Lead annual budget building processes and analysis working collaboratively with administrators and department heads; ensure district goals align with efficient use of resources; prepare timely presentation documents and facilitate discussions with staff, School Committee, Finance Subcommittee, at public hearings, and in town meetings Assist building principals in developing building-based budgets and provide regular counsel on fiscal and operational areas Monitor bonded indebtedness and counsel Superintendent and School Committee on referenda possibilities Prepare and submit annual school budget and audited annual financial report(s) in compliance with state requirements and in collaboration with district auditors. Prepare multi-year projections of revenues and expenditures Prepare annual assessment levels Oversee implementation of all grants from a financial perspective, including management and reconciliation Prepare proposals for collective bargaining negotiations with all units for consideration by the Superintendent and School Committee Oversee administration of all support staff contracts. Lead in negotiations with all support staff collective bargaining units and assists Superintendent and negotiator with preparation of proposals for professional staff negotiations Oversees payroll and insurance Supervise warrant process and prepare monthly financial reports for all program administrators and School Committee; highlight any permanent variances in revenues or expenditures Monitor Chapter 70 Formula and Circuit Breaker amounts for integration into annual budget Oversee submission of claims for Free Lunch and Breakfast Program, Special Education, and other state and federal categorical programs Arrange and coordinate preparation of annual financial audit and any internal audit assignments requested by Superintendent or School Committee Maintain liaison with district legal counsel and other local government officials Work closely and cooperatively with state and/or independent auditors; notify local media of completed audits and make audit reports available to the public Prepares all bid specifications and purchase contracts. Work with other administrators and architects in planning construction and contracting Oversee, consult, monitor, and maintain files pertaining to any capital projects, including but not limited to MA School Building Authority Participate in school and/or Subcommittees pertaining to building projects, maintenance or endowments Prepare grant proposals pertaining to areas of responsibility. Direct and maintain a district-wide system of inventory control for supplies and equipment. Prepare agendas for and attend meetings of the School Committee, Building Committee, and other committees as directed by Superintendent or requested by the School Committee. Facilities, School Lunch Program and Transportation Management Supervise and evaluate Director of Facilities, Director of Food Services and Transportation Coordinator; provide leadership support for all aspects of their work Develop and administer bid specifications for district transportation contracts and develop and administer transportation routes and schedules in a cost effective manner and in accordance with state regulations and School Committee policies. Oversee compliance with district bus contract. Supervise district-wide program for cleaning and maintenance of facilities in conjunction with building administrators. Identify and prioritize short and long-term maintenance projects to be completed by facilities director or outside contractor in a cost effective manner. Coordinate and supervise all aspects of capital building projects in conjunction with the Superintendent. Ensure that the district is in compliance with existing laws and regulations regarding environmental protection, hazardous chemicals and waste, access for individuals with disabilities, asbestos, and other related matters. Support Staff Supervision Build a competent, balanced, alert staff through sound selection, through orientation, and ongoing training, support and evaluation. Encourage the staff to suggest new ideas and to try new ways of doing things. The School Business Administrator, therefore, acts as a catalyst for innovative thinking and action on the part of others in the school. Supervise individual staff members to assist them in their self-improvement efforts. Foster sound interpersonal relationships among support staff members, teachers, and the administration. Leadership and Administration Serve as the Superintendent’s designee when the Superintendent is not available. Support the district’s safety plan and oversee that the plan is executed with fidelity at all levels. Help to establish and clarify both short and long range goals for the school district and make sure that they are fiscally sound and administratively feasible. Direct policy-making in regards to areas of responsibility and participation in the decision-making at all other levels when the policies in question affect the school district’s operation. Implement policy, accepting the responsibility, while sharing the authority in whatever manner the School Business Administrator considers to be in the best interest of the school district. Broaden the base of the decision-making process, involving students, teachers, support staff members, parents, and citizens whenever appropriate. Exercise oversight over the physical plant, materials, equipment, and grounds in order to maintain the best possible environment for the health and safety of the occupants of the school buildings Participate in continuous study and research in the administration of a school district. Participate in local, regional, state, and national professional/educational organizations to stay abreast of school finance and related issues Regularly confer with building principals and administrators regarding problems/solutions related to district operations Approve all contracts between district and outside contractors Share with fellow school business administrators knowledge, understanding, and support when the occasion requires Perform other tasks and assume other responsibilities the Superintendent may assign or delegate The Gateway Regional School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or military or exercise of civil rights in admission to, access to treatment in or employment in its programs or activities.