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Danville schools' finance director 'blindsided' by dismissal

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  Published in Business and Finance on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 4:27 GMT by The News-Gazette

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Danville Schools Finance Director Abruptly Dismissed, Board cites “Severe Mismanagement”

In a move that has stunned parents, teachers, and community leaders, the Danville School Board announced the immediate dismissal of its long‑time finance director, Ms. Melissa Thompson, at a routine board meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2024. The decision, delivered by Board President Thomas Reynolds, left many to wonder what precipitated the board’s swift action and what the next steps will be for the district’s financial leadership.

The Board’s Decision

According to the official minutes posted on the Danville Schools website, the board met in an emergency session after a comprehensive audit of the district’s fiscal records revealed “serious discrepancies” in several budget line items. The board’s motion to terminate Ms. Thompson’s employment was passed unanimously (5‑0), effective immediately. The minutes detail that the decision followed an investigation into the district’s financial reporting, which uncovered errors in the consolidation of the operating budget and the misallocation of grant funds.

The minutes also note that the board had been considering a review of the district’s financial controls for months. “In light of the findings from the audit, we are compelled to take decisive action to protect the integrity of our district’s financial stewardship,” read the board’s statement. “The accountability of public funds is paramount, and we must ensure that our financial practices meet the highest standards.”

Ms. Thompson, who has served as finance director since 2011, is widely respected in the Danville community. She has overseen the district’s budgeting, payroll, and procurement processes, and her tenure has coincided with significant growth in student enrollment and facility expansion. Yet despite her longstanding service, the board’s findings left no room for compromise.

Community Reactions

The announcement has sparked a flurry of reactions across the district. In a letter to the board, Ms. Thompson expressed her shock and disappointment. “I am blindsided by this decision,” she wrote. “I have devoted my career to Danville Schools, and I am proud of the financial stability we have achieved together.” She added that she remains committed to ensuring a smooth transition and will provide the board with all necessary documentation and assistance.

Students and parents have taken to social media to voice their concerns. A tweet from Danville resident @DanvilleParent read, “I can’t believe they’re firing Ms. Thompson. She’s always been solid. What’s the real issue?” Another comment highlighted worries about potential disruptions in payroll, saying, “If the new finance director is delayed, will teachers get paid on time?”

Teachers’ union representatives have urged the board to provide clarity on the next steps. “Our teachers rely on timely and accurate payroll," said union president Lisa Kim. "The district must act quickly to avoid any financial hardship for our staff.”

What the Audit Revealed

The audit, conducted by an external firm, highlighted several key issues. First, there were unexplained variances in the allocation of state grant money, amounting to $350,000 in the 2022‑23 fiscal year. The audit report concluded that these discrepancies were not due to intentional misappropriation but rather a failure to maintain proper documentation and reconciliation practices. Second, the audit found that several budget categories, such as “Professional Development” and “Technology Upgrades,” had been over‑budgeted by 8% and 12%, respectively, without corresponding adjustments to other budget line items. This misalignment raised concerns about the district’s overall fiscal health and risk management.

The audit report also suggested that Ms. Thompson’s office had not implemented the recommended internal controls for tracking grant expenditures. As a result, the board determined that the existing oversight mechanisms were inadequate to prevent future errors.

Next Steps for Danville Schools

In the minutes, Board President Thomas Reynolds emphasized that the district is already in the process of searching for a new finance director. “We are committed to hiring a qualified professional who can bring fresh perspective and rigor to our financial operations,” he said. “Our goal is to restore confidence and ensure that our financial processes meet the expectations of our stakeholders.”

The board also announced that it would establish a temporary interim finance team, composed of senior administrators and external consultants, to maintain continuity in payroll, procurement, and budgeting until a permanent replacement is found. The interim team will operate under a special board charter that outlines its scope and authority.

The district’s official website published a press release, “Danville School Board Announces Immediate Dismissal of Finance Director,” which summarised the board’s decision and outlined the interim measures. The release also invited community members to attend a town hall meeting on April 2 to discuss the district’s financial oversight and to address concerns about transparency.

Looking Forward

While the dismissal of Ms. Thompson is a shock to many, the board’s swift action signals a commitment to accountability. As the district embarks on the search for a new finance director, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the district addresses the systemic issues identified by the audit. The community’s faith in Danville Schools’ financial stewardship will hinge on whether the new leadership can rebuild trust, strengthen controls, and demonstrate transparent, responsible management of public funds.