Marlborough Public Schools begin search for new finance director

campaign. Alternatively, the chapter could have participated in the membership campaign, which challenged the chapter to attain two of three goals: recruit 20 professional members; recruit 20 alumni members; or increase student membership by 20 more members from the previous school year.

The Grafton High School DECA members who contributed to the THRIVE recognition were numerous, with the chapter co-presidents, Brie Dwyer and Amelia Whitney, leading the charge with the assistance of their adviser, Jeff Maxwell.

This is the chapter’s first year of gaining national recognition under Maxwell’s guidance. The chapter made cards for soldiers overseas who were away over the holidays; cleaned up a park in Grafton; volunteered at the Community Harvest Project 5K; presented to eighth-graders at Grafton Middle School about the benefits of joining DECA; and had several alumni explain how DECA has helped them in college and beyond.

Maxwell has been at Grafton High since July 2018, when he was hired as a business teacher and the school’s DECA advisor.

“There is no substitute for experience: there’s not an app you can download, not a book you can read … either you are directly involved in an event, or you are not,” said Maxwell. “And GHS DECA gives the students experiences that they simply cannot get otherwise. I am proud of their involvement, their dedication, their leadership, their partnership, their motivation, and the extraordinary people they are blossoming into. These experiences will give them skills and memories that will last their lifetime. I am honored and flattered to be a part of this.”

Upcoming events include a meet and greet with business professionals, an annual winter gala at Highfields Golf and Country Club, and a spring field day for families at Grafton High.

By Maureen Sullivan Assistant Editor

MARLBOROUGH - Marlborough Public Schools is searching for a new director of finance and operations.

Douglas Dias, who has held the job for the past five years, is leaving at the end of the school year.

“I’m heartbroken to say that the position will be vacant as of July 1,” said Superintendent Mary Murphy.

The superintendent’s office said that Dias is pursuing other opportunities and not going to another school district.

School Committee members discussed the search process during its meeting on Jan. 10.

The position was posted on Dec. 23, with a deadline of Jan. 11; however, there has been only one applicant so far.

The deadlines can be extended by the chairman of the School Committee.

Under the current schedule, the interview period for potential candidates is scheduled from Jan. 12 to Feb. 3; and reference checks Feb. 6-10. The superintendent is scheduled to recommend a candidate to the School Committee on Feb. 14; with negotiation and contract signing on Feb. 15.

The first round of interviews will be conducted by a member of the School Committee, the assistant superintendent, a principal within MPS, and the director of human resources.

The second round of interviews will be held by the superintendent, the director of finance and operations and the assistant superintendent.