Politics & Government

Help Wanted: School Finance Director to Leave for RISD

Ned Draper, school finance director, is stepping down from his post effective March 25.

School Finance Director Ned Draper is stepping down from his post at the North Kingstown School Department, effective March 25. Draper, who came to the district in July 2007, will now join the finance department at the Rhode Island School of Design.

“It’s quite an organization,” said Draper. “I was very impressed when I toured the facilities and saw the programs and academic pursuits. It’s truly a unique place with an exciting mission.”

Draper joins RISD as its new director of academic budgets and facilities planning, allowing him to focus more on the planning and budgeting and less on the operations side of finances.

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Draper’s departure comes just as the budget process begins for FY 2013, which is projected to have and and . According to Superintendent Phil Auger, Draper will continue to attend school committee meetings and work on a per diem basis until a replacement is found. The school department has already put out advertisements for the vacant position but is unsure of a timeline for a replacement.

“It’s going to be really difficult to find a replacement who is as good as Ned Draper,” said Auger. “I don’t think people understand what a great person we’ve had in this job.”

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As for advice for his future successor, Draper has only one suggestion.

“Support your superintendent. That’s the best advice I can give.”


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