NORTHFIELD — The search is underway for a new director of finance and operations at the Pioneer Valley Regional School District.
The Pioneer School Committee is expecting to bring finalists for the job to its July 17 meeting, according to School Committee Chair Melissa Gerry. The director of finance and operations is the chief financial executive of the school district and serves as the principal advisor to the superintendent when it comes to finance, budget and procurement. The advertised salary is up to $150,000.
Jordan Burns, who has held the position since 2022, will be leaving the Pioneer Valley Regional School District on Aug. 7, as he is taking a job with the French International School of Philadelphia.
“It was one of those very unique opportunities that fits my family,” Burns said.
Reflecting on his time at Pioneer, Burns said he “learned so much” and that it was “a great place to work.”
“I’m just super thankful to [Superintendent Patricia Kinsella] for her mentorship and the School Committee for supporting me,” Burns added.
Gerry thanked Burns for his work and said the School Committee is searching for someone who “will continue to build upon his work.”
“It is with great sadness that he is leaving, but he is leaving us in such a good place that we are hoping to continue the great work we have done,” Gerry said. “We’re looking for someone who will work with the School Committee and the community in a collaborative and transparent way.”
A search committee interviewed candidates this week and the full School Committee will interview finalists on July 17. The search committee is made up of Kinsella, three School Committee members, Director of Teaching & Learning Zevey Steinitz, Accounts Payable Specialist Brenda Beck and Pioneer Valley Association of Support Personnel President Melissa Peloquin.
As the district moves forward, Kinsella said Pioneer is in good place.
“We are delighted for Jordan,” she said. “The School Committee and the administration team are feeling confident about our future.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.