LAKEVILLE — Three candidates are vying for the open Director of Finance role for the Freetown-Lakeville School Committee.

The school Committee interviewed candidates John Higgins, Emily Machado and James Taylor on Thursday, Oct. 26.

Interim Director of Finance Deirde Welch is stepping down from the role to continue her retirement.

The candidates came from various backgrounds but none of them have worked specifically as a Director of Finance for a school district according to School Committee Chair William Sienkewicz.

Higgins, the current Freetown-Lakeville Middle School Principal, said his interest in finance operations for the school district sparked when he stepped into the administrative role. 

“My experience with budgeting is more from a static budget perspective,” said Higgins. He explained that there are less moving parts in budgeting for a school rather than a district. 

Although Higgins said that he lacks direct experience working with finance, he believes his experience with school operations is his strength. 

“What I would like to see is more collaboration across the buildings,” he said. “I think there is a lot of opportunity for identifying needs that might be able to find some efficiencies and purchases as a result of multiple buildings needing similar things, and maybe we could even find the savings in bulk purchasing.”

Candidate Machado has worked in accounting and business operations for various districts including Duxbury, Dennis-Yarmouth and Marshfield. 

Machado said her strengths are being organized and detail oriented.

“I love doing the end of the year report,” she said. “I like being able to provide information for people that they feel is useful and that they need to make their own decisions.”

Machado said that in her previous roles, she met with administrators to “map out the big picture.”

“I know every part of their wish lists… and what they want to achieve for the students,” she said.

Former Freetown-Lakeville student James Taylor also put his hat in the ring. 

“Apponequet holds a place in my heart,” he said.

Taylor currently works as an Executive Administrative Manager for the Department of Children and Families. 

“My ability to track and manage budgets is exceptional,” he said. 

According to Sienkewicz, a decision regarding the role will be made before Thursday, Nov. 2.