Danbury schools seek new CFO to address financial difficulties

The Board of Education in Danbury is currently seeking a new chief financial officer, despite the current CFO, John Spang, stating that he has no plans to leave his position. The job posting was listed on the Danbury Public Schools website and the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials job board, with a start date initially set for July 1, 2025, but now changed to July 1, 2024.

Spang, who has been in the role since the 2021-22 school year, expressed his intention to remain in the position. The district’s interim superintendent and human resource director did not provide direct responses to questions regarding Spang’s employment status and the decision to recruit a new CFO.

The job posting comes at a time when the district is also searching for a permanent superintendent and facing budget challenges. Mayor Roberto Alves’ proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year includes a significant increase in school department funding, though it falls short of the district’s request.

Spang’s current contract is set to expire at the end of June, with records showing that he received a two-year contract offer last fall, which he signed in January after former Superintendent Kevin Walston’s departure. The Board of Education has the authority to terminate the CFO’s employment at any time for cause.

The new CFO will be responsible for overseeing the district’s annual budget of nearly $213 million, managing financial operations, developing long-term financial plans, and negotiating vendor contracts. The position requires state certification in school business administration and at least five years of experience in accounting, finance, and business operations. The salary range for the position is $175,000 to $200,000.