The finance director for the Regional 4 (R4) school district, Kelly Sterner, is resigning from her position at the end of November for personal reasons, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian White.

“We will be posting the position to begin the search for a permanent replacement,” he said, adding that “former West Hartford director of finance Chip Ward, who provided financial consulting services for our districts last year, will again be available to provide consultation for our Finance Office, should the need arise.”

The Finance Office is now working with the district administration “to ensure a smooth transition,” he said.

Sterner worked as the Town of Essex’s finance director for 16 years prior to assuming the role of finance director for R4 schools on July 1. She replaced interim business manager Richard Huot, who was hired last November after the resignation of former business manager Kimberly Allen.

Upon announcement of Sterner’s appointment in April, White said that she “will play a critical role in building upon the many improvements we have instituted this year in our business office to re-establish the credibility of our business office with all stakeholders, improve internal accounting procedures, and promote best practices, such as new monthly reporting procedures, to support increased public transparency.”

The Courier reached out to Sterner by email for comment but did not receive a response as of press time.