Marblehead school biz manager steps down

MARBLEHEAD – School Business Manager Jonathan Goldfield ended his contract with the town Friday.Superintendent of Schools Paul Dulac said that a two-day personnel hearing and discussion ended Friday with that mutual agreement.Goldfield’s contract was scheduled to end June 30.In making his announcement Monday, Dulac stressed that there were “no money problems, no money issues” involved in Goldfield’s departure. “There is no money missing,” Dulac said.The hearing concerned two purchase orders totaling about $25,000 each, part of the expenditures for the Marblehead Village School. They were for moving and storing school furniture and the purchase of new school furniture. The superintendent said the matter came to light before any money was paid to a contractor.Goldfield signed off on both orders, on the assumption that each was for $24,900, but when the contractors presented the bills each one was in excess of $25,000. Dulac pointed out that both the contractor and Goldfield should have been aware of the overage.Under state law any purchase of $25,000 or more must go out to bid – and with the Massachusetts School Building Authority checking costs on the Village School, one of their first school projects, Dulac believed he had no choice but to bring the two matters to light and take action.”I’m very sorry this had to happen,” Dulac said. “Jonathan has accepted responsibility for his error. That impresses me and I hope he lands on his feet.”Goldfield has served as school business manager since the summer of 2008. Dulac learned of the procedural problem the week of March 8 and began an investigation. On March 23 he placed Goldfield on administrative leave, with pay.In Goldfield’s absence, former School Business Manager George Gearhart has covered Goldfield’s duties, working three days a week.