The Saugerties school district this week announced the hiring of Warren Donohue as interim business manager while school officials and the school board search for a permanent replacement for Lissa Jilek.
“Warren brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge,” said interim superintendent Lawrence Mautone in an e-mail to district staff on October 9. “He will be leading the business office and related departments and operations through December, helping with the hiring of a new official and assisting with the transitioning of that individual into our district.”
Donohue recently retired from Ulster County Boces after five years in the business office. He was previously a business manager with the Pawling and Cornwall districts and with Orange-Ulster Boces. According to board president Robert Thomann, Donohue is already somewhat familiar with the Saugerties district’s financial operations.
“He has experience with our accounts through Boces,” Thomann said. Donohue’s role as a bridge between Jilek and the next business manager will be crucial. “We want him to check out our finances while we’re posting for the position and actively looking for someone to come in full-time.”
The district hopes to have a full-time business manager by the scheduled December 11 board meeting. Thomann said it was possible, though not preferable, that the district would need more time before choosing a new business manager.
“It depends upon the feel of the candidates, their salary requirements,” Thomann said. “We’d like to have somebody permanent in by the first of the year.”
Jilek left Saugerties late last month for the same role in the Highland school district. She had been the district business manager since 2013, having previously served in the same position in both the Cairo-Durham (2007-13) and Catskill (2000-07) districts.
Donohue’s first day in Saugerties will be Friday, October 12.
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