Schedule for interviews confirmed
As Mimi reports on LiL, last night’s special school committee meeting updating the superintendent’s search timetable and process was productive. Dr. Baehr’s suggestions were helpful and as Mayor Caulfield acknowledged, “the classiest thing he’s seen in a long time.” I also want to commend the parents from Stand for Children and the Citywide Parent Council who turned out yet again to witness and participate in these events. One parent asked that the committee resist the temptation to “act hastily rather than be deliberative, to take time to know the candidates, and to fulfill their responsibility for due diligence during this process.”
Here is the schedule: Thursday, March 13, 6:30 pm, first two interviews (Schlictman and Jack); Friday, March 14, 6:30 pm, final two interviews (Bonner and Scott). The interviews will be broadcast live on LTC, Channel 10 (we will post the rebroadcast schedule when available). Bonner and Scott will be invited to visit Lowell schools to get a better feel for the district while also interacting with staff and students. All candidates will be asked to bring a portfolio of representational work (evaluations, communications, reports) to their interviews. In-district and out-of-district site visits will take place next week, along with a conference call between the respective school committees. Some school committee members will visit Hamden, CT (Dr. Bonner’s district), while others will participate in a conference call with Dr. Scott’s school committee. I feel strongly that the site visit and the conference call will likely reveal different information and should be used for both candidates. The committee will meet on Thursday night, after the interviews, to discuss salary range and get legal advice from the city solicitor, so perhaps there will be further discussion on this part of the due diligence…
Finally, the vote for the next superintendent will occur on Monday, March 24, 6:30 pm, televised live in council chambers. The current plan is for a simple roll call vote. John Leahy asked for some discussion by members before voting. Other members indicated that these votes had always been done without explanation, and Mayor Caulfield said it was “inappropriate” to have a discussion. Dr. Baehr noted that some districts discuss before voting but it must be done within legal guidelines due to personnel confidentiality laws. Jackie made a motion, which passed 4 to 2 (with Mayor Caulfield and Regina Faticanti against), that the law office provide the committee with the legal parameters regarding what can and cannot be said on the floor before members vote. That discussion will continue Thursday night after the first round of interviews.