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The Newton Falls and Maplewood school districts have finalized a shared treasurer services partnership to benefit both school districts.
The new arrangement begins July 1.
"Our board believes this shared treasurer services arrangement is a responsible approach to enhancing operational efficiencies while also reducing costs for public schools. We are proud to partner with the Maplewood Local School Board in a collaborative effort to create meaningful cost savings while maintaining strong fiscal leadership for our district," said Tonya Kline, president of the Newton Falls Board of Education.
Under the agreement, Merri Smith will provide treasurer services to Newton Falls on a 2.5-day-per-week basis, while continuing her work with Maplewood Local Schools. Officials said Smith has an outstanding reputation throughout both the county and the state for her professionalism, leadership and financial expertise.
"Hiring a full-time treasurer with Merri's experience and qualifications would cost Newton Falls significantly more than $90,000 per year. This agreement allows our district to access high-quality financial leadership in a way that is responsible, efficient and aligned with the long-term interests of our taxpayers, students, staff, and community," Kline said.
The agreement with Maplewood extends slightly beyond one year, allowing Smith to begin on July 1, which is the beginning of the two school districts' fiscal years.
Kline said while there is an additional cost associated with the extra month, the board believes this approach will allow for a more seamless transition within the fiscal office.
School officials said after reviewing the projected salary for a full-time position, fringe benefits and the continued rise in health care costs, the board estimates that this partnership will generate savings of a minimum of $24,000 per year.
Over the three-year forecast period, the anticipated total savings is approximately $71,000, Kline said.
"We are extremely grateful that the Board of Education at Maplewood was willing to explore this opportunity with us. Most importantly, we are excited and proud to work with Merri and our team here in Newton Falls. We believe this partnership will greatly benefit both districts and the communities we serve," Kline said.
The Maplewood Board of Education earlier this month also approved the shared services agreement.
Maplewood Board President Kevin Blair said he had been in contact with Kline and agreed to meetings to discuss a shared services contract between the two school districts. Blair said this is the first time Maplewood will have a shared services agreement for a treasurer.
Maplewood Superintendent Kevin O'Connell said Smith has done an amazing job for Maplewood and will be able to serve both districts effectively, working 2.5 days one week in one school district and 2.5 days the following week in the other district.
A similar treasurer sharing agreement has existed for the past few years between LaBrae and Mathews schools with Treasurer Brad Panak.
The Newton Falls board has looked at various options for finding a new treasurer.
Alan Boone, a Newton Falls graduate, is serving as interim treasurer. He comes to Newton Falls one day per week to handle treasurer duties.
Kline said Boone was provided by the Shared Services Alliance. She said he has done a great job, but the board was informed he can't apply for the Newton Falls position because he works for Shared Services Alliance.
The position became open when former treasurer Ben Marko left Dec. 31 to accept a position with the Canfield Local School District.