Uh good evening and welcome to the uh school committee um of what is today? June 24th. Um our intram superintendent candidate search. Um at this time I'll call to order and do an introduction of members and I'll start over here.
Mattalano Milville. >> Chuck Dun Blackstone. >> Terara Scobby Blackstone. Tara Larkin Milville. Carrie got it at Blackstone. >> And we also have Jane Reio and Erin Vanaco on Zoom. And I'm uh both from
Milville. And I'm Dan Keefe uh from Blackstone. So we will start off with um four of our committee members did some uh research uh the background the checks on reference checks I should say uh on the candidates and I'll start off with
Terara Kobe. >> Okay. So, um, I'm going to go alphabetically. I had four candidates. I'm going to start with Morin. Forgive me if I say the last name wrong. Um, that's going to be my guest. >> Fernanda.
>> Thank you. >> Um, so I spoke to all three of her references. Um, she has extensive experience. They could not praise her enough. Um, one of her references stated that they were a 42-year educator with
her, a teacher, a principal. Um, she said her strength really showed through through co and, um, she is a strong advocate and a believer in student first. Um, she said she has strength in
contract negotiation fiscally. Um, and she actually stated that Moren doesn't need to work. She is doing this because she loves it. Okay. Um, and the other um, references
she had pretty much said about the same thing. Um, I've received no negative on any references for any candidate. So, I will move to Eric Chofy. Am I saying it right, Tracy?
Okay. Um, Eric had I had heard from all three of his references. Um, one was from Georgia who stated that he came from Florida to Georgia and he transitioned wonderfully from stateto state. Um, he has a strong understanding
of instructional leadership and student services. Um, all three references quoted that he was empathetic and very dependable and very focused on education. Okay. I will move to um sorry I got a
lot of notes. I will move to Ginger Coleman. Um I spoke to three of her references. Um they said she is well-rounded, is um very into her job and works many many hours. Um I they said that she is
data driven for um education. Um she's approachable and works had worked a lot with Title 9 504s and special education. Um good network ability. That was
Ginger. Um I'm going to go a little bit out of alphabetical order because I picked up one more candidate. Jane had needed somebody too. So I am going to talk about Caleb Rivera. Now um I did call three references and I only heard
from one. The feedback I got on Caleb was that he is brilliant, intelligible, thoughtful, he is a advocate for all student beliefs and identities and he is hungry for advocacy and change and he
could be successful with mentorship. And those are the four candidates that I reached out to their references. >> Okay. Thank you. And Tara. All right. Um, I had Ellen Whitmore. Um,
I had two references that I was able to connect with. Uh, they said wide range of connections that she can and will work with to do what she needs to do for our district. Um, she was a mentor to one of them. Um, and they really appreciated and um, had praise for her
for that. Knowledgeable with finance and uh, grants, very knowledgeable with grants. Um, she was she's quick and crisis situation. there was a fire alarm system that she was able to resolve and keep school open on time. Um advice that she would give the school committee is
that she's straightforward. There's no guessing games. Um well connected in the state. So I guess you know the wide range of connections. She will think things through and definitely will ask for help when needed. Um she does uh someone that one
of them recommended that the school committee um be able to support her through the transition um by giving her the straight feedback. Um she does have I guess limited classroom teaching but people shouldn't underestimate her knowledge and aspect
of teaching and learning. And then I also had Susan Kuska. I was only able to get in touch with one of her references. Um they said she makes he said she makes very sound decisions, has the best interest of the district. She's insightful and creative.
She is a private person. Um so she could be misunderstood due due to her reserved personality. Um she does not take things personally. She enjoys the work. She's very good with policies and finds ways to make things work. Takes issues head-on and good with town officials.
>> All right. And then I called the references for Elvio Ferrer. Um there were three references I called. One twice, was not able to reach her. Another one I left a voicemail. Um and then the third one I did get through to.
Uh he had worked with LVO serving on a board together. He stated that LVO has had many roles. He is looking for the right fit. He is dedicated, thorough, uh great with collaboration, strong communicator, will be on time
with projects and works very well with counterparts. Uh he also talked about LVO's strength with chapter 74 schools and vocational schools, which it was a it was a good conversation. It was very insightful. Um he had great
things to say. >> Okay. Thank you. And Erin, >> Erin, you're up. >> She just >> So I I Sorry, this is going to be a little sore. Um, so I was asked to do
Tracy Curley and David Cutler. Um, unfortunately Tracy's three references, um, I left messages for and I did not hear back from any of them. I did double check all my messages
today, make sure I wasn't missing them. Um, David Cutler, I was able to touch base with two of the references. It was via text as we were playing phone tag. Um,
so let me just read straight forward what was said. Um the um honestly all of his references were more personal references, not um I don't believe they were colleagues at a
certain point in time. But um so the first reference said it's more of a personal testimony that um than anything, someone who will give you everything he has and I know he would like the chance to have a position.
And the second reference that um did get back to me uh spoke extremely highly of him. Um he did work with him in um in Bellingham for a number of years. Good guy, well
respected by parents, students, can't really say enough good about him. Um said to call back if we had any um specific questions. So those were the two for one of the candidates and and again I did not get
any feedback on Casey. >> Okay. Discussion on candidates from committee members. >> Anyone? >> How do we want to do this? >> Yeah. How do we want to do it? Um
we can well we can we can do the same thing we can go round round robin um is that if if everyone's comfortable with that >> round robin. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> And then I suppose we can have that discussion during that time. >> Yeah.
>> So um in all fairness we can start with the with the people that are on um on teams. So we'll start Jane. We'll start with you this time. >> Okay. That's fine. So, I um narrowed down to three candidates. Um one I
thought was the strongest. So, I don't know if you want all three or you want one, but um I wouldn't mind having a discussion on and I'm going to say first names because I'm not even going to try to pronounce some of the last names, but um Moren and Tracy and Susan.
and my um preference well not preference I don't have a preference but my I thought the strongest candidate um based on experience and the fact that she has been an interim before so obviously knows that work uh would be my
>> and just to clear it up for everyone uh the the two that I think we're stumbling over are Benenda and Kusta is Susan's last name >> thank you Okay, thank thank you Jame Erin. Um, so in reviewing all of the
information we were given, um, I I actually also did a top three, but I don't, uh, it was maybe more of just like these are the three that I would think were most qualified for what we're
looking for. Um, I didn't feel that Tracy gave us a lot of information. Um, but she was number three. And Moren just really reminded me of Dr. Davis. And I
don't even know if any of you I know Jane and Tara are familiar with him, >> but he he was super experienced. She is super experienced. I was trying to figure out how many years of experience she has just from what's available on the resume that was sent. Uh it looks
like she'll come in, do the job, and we'll be able to do the work of a full search with her in place, and our district will be in steady hands. >> Okay, Carrie,
>> I came down to two candidates that I thought um could lead us in the next year. Um, one of them was Eric and I also agreed with both Erin and Jane. I thought Moren was the strongest candidate. Um, she showed strength in
finance. She has a regional district in her background in Worcester. Um, they've had many building projects through the last couple of years. Uh, actually through the last couple of decades, I should say. Um, and I think
she can come in, she can do the work for the year, leave us in a great place, and we can confidently be searching for our new full-term superintendent with her in the interim seat.
>> Okay, thank you. And I move on to Matt. >> Um, so I did not call any references. I was obviously not on that list. um not available but um in reviewing the
resumes um I do echo what's already been said is um Moren uh definitely had the most acumen and the longest tenure um doing doing the things that we're
looking for. So, um, I would say that she's probably at the top of this list. >> Thank you, Chuck. >> Okay. My my number one choice was Morin Vignanda as well. Um, I she has a
fantastic reputation in the city of Worcester. She's well respected. Um, my number two choice was uh Eric Seafi and I don't know if I sp pronounced that right.
Uh, if I my third choice was Ellen Widmore and uh, you know, the strongest one was Moren by far. So if I had a choice, it would be her.
>> Thanks, Chuck. And Terasco. >> Um, so I actually did a process of elimination myself and did a top three. Um, Morin by a landslide. I mean, her application, the list of her accolades, they speak for themselves. Um, I will
say I thought Eric had a strong application and I did put Ellen as my third um for her strong finance background, but I do believe Moren is the strongest applicant.
>> Uh, thank you. Thank you, Tara and Tara Logan. >> Well, I also have Moren as my top three. Um, I also had Susan and Ginger just for the record. But, um, I do feel comfortable
um, most comfortable with putting Moren at as recommended from from my my opinion. Okay. And um, looking at the option of candidates, I agree. Um
and so we have a total of um well I well we all heard each other so is anybody I'll entertain a motion for a >> I'll make a motion to move forward with
am I saying this right negotiations with Moren Penenda. >> Yeah. So your motion was to offer the permission. >> Yes. To >> pending negotiations. How about that?
>> Motion by Tara Sco. >> Was that what was >> Tracy? Can we go right to um >> right to that process or should we have conversation with them and then decide to go to that like what's doing? >> We got a motion in a second. I think he
I was actually going to um offer two notes to the chair if you would entertain if you would if I could be recognized. I think there's probably two things I should >> maybe share with you all. >> I think we just lost the table though. Those of us who are online can't see you in the in the in the library anymore.
>> Um there we go. Um Mr. Chair, can I just make two notes in terms of while while you're having that discussion? >> Yes. Oh, so I did speak um with Miss Bena um over the weekend. There just are two
there are two things that you should know um that about her application. Um one is that um she will be finishing with the collaborative on July 7th and then is going away for two weeks. Now
she's willing to be named if if like we I said what about this? What we ran a whole bunch of different scenarios. um she's willing to be named, but she wouldn't be able to physically be in the district until the end of the month. So, I want to make sure you know that. The other thing is that she does not need a
waiver now, which is why we accepted her application um because she's not timed out or um over the amount she'd need to get a waiver. She would though need a waiver um probably about the beginning of November, but just for November, December. And because then the waiver
process then the the new year starts the um the cal calendar and the calculator again. She would be free and clear to serve the rest of the year. And I just want to make sure that you have all of the information in front of you as you're making this decision. >> Thank you very much.
>> There's a motion and a second on the floor. Any further discussion regarding uh the update on that information? So I guess I still have the question. We can negotiate with somebody even though we've never spoken with them.
>> Yes, this is what this is one where the uh as long as you I don't I don't remember if I actually gave you all the I don't think I actually did because we were moving so fast you guys didn't get my usual search lecture which is you are as in Massachusetts school committees have broad purview in terms of hiring
superintendents. The only two requirements by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is that you do it in a properly posted meeting and that you hire someone who can actually serve as superintendent legally. And you have done you have chucked both of those boxes. So um yes, you you can
certain you can move directly to offering this position um to really any of the people that you have here. Yes. >> Thank you. Any
further discussion? Okay. So, there's a motion and a second on the floor um to enter into uh um to agree to um
um hire Moren as the interim superintendent. U pending >> I'm sorry. Someone say something. >> I don't think it's on purpose. >> Oh, it's background noise. >> I think it's background. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um and any no further discussion? So all
those in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> I. >> Should we do it by roll call? >> Yeah, we'll do we'll do a quick roll call then. >> I think I uh Erin, do you Erin, I'm going to do a quick roll call on this. All those in favor? Uh you in Erin, are
you in favor? I Okay. Thank you, Erin. Jane, >> I >> Carrie >> I. Matt. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Hi. And Tara isn't sorry. >> And and I will um I will abstain because
I am not because of my position, how I feel on this, but I also don't want it to be a negative vote towards Moren. Um so it's unanimous. Well, it's 701. Um and congratulations to Moren. I I
would imagine um Tracy, you'll make the connection with Moren. >> I would be happy to. And then my question um then is who would you like me to get her in touch with? >> I was going to recommend Kelly. I was going um I know we never got to this
point before, but I do believe that we could ask our um attorney to negotiate for us. Is that correct, Tracy? That is certainly under the perview of this the committee to do. Yes, you can direct you could direct your legal counsel to do that. >> We could basically
tell her what what we have and what our you know options are and then she can do that piece for us. I don't know how the rest of the committee >> I think it's great if Kelly like negotiates the contract with her
per se, but I do think somebody should somebody from the committee should have a conversation and welcome. >> Definitely a personalized piece, but uh contractwise I think you know the conversation could just
be like these are our parameters and then let Kelly take care of it. >> Yep. We should have a greet we should have a greeting committee. >> Yes. >> I I don't know that you're posted for an executive session. Is that correct this time? >> We are not. I don't think we are. >> We didn't we didn't think to do that. I
apologize. I should have I I usually am better off the the bat than that. Um so I mean I think really that then becomes the question as to whether or not you need to have the full committee get together and establish parameters or you want to delegate that authority to someone um to then be in touch with your legal counsel about about the
parameters. And that is that is again under the perview of the committee. >> Okay. So >> we should So who's available for an executive session? >> I I say today Wednesday you're leaving. >> Yeah. >> And it I I said I think it's
>> when >> that Well, that's what I'm trying to figure out. I don't know who said when. Jane. >> Oh. >> Um >> Jane. Sorry. >> Yeah. Okay. So I mean the soon sooner than later. So it would be >> it would be next >> Thursday, right? So you couldn't do it until
>> we wouldn't be able to do it >> Wednesday. So you could technically do it on Monday. >> Monday faster >> or only >> I would have late Friday. I would have to post right now. >> Yeah, you have to post right away. So Monday, >> can you do Monday? >> I'd make myself available.
>> I'll make I'm available. Whatever. Yeah, we'll we can we can have an executive session whenever's when >> I'll try to call in as long as I have service. >> Yeah. And we'll we'll do >> Yeah, we'll make sure it's >> But are we setting an executive session
to set parameters or um are we appointing certain members to >> um >> what what are we doing with executive session? >> Oh, welcome. >> Well, we have to set the parameters of the contract. We can't say to Kelly,
"Create a contract." And she doesn't know the the salary. She doesn't know the the any other terms we want in like >> I mean, we could I don't know if we have the right to agree to do what our last
proposal was. I don't know. But um and then we could just go from there, but I don't know. I think we have to have >> Can we invite Kelly to executive >> the expectations that we want in the contract? There's a lot of different pieces to an interim contract if I remember from our last one because they
don't typically want um they don't typically want some of the the other pieces that are in the contract. So, am I am I mistaken on that, Tracy? >> No, you're correct. um a lot of the the
benefits and so forth are already covered in other various ways, >> right? >> Y >> so compensation might look completely different on an interim contract because there's other pieces to it that aren't being >> correct. It it is it is mostly salary.
It is not only salary, but it is mostly salary. And being that she will need a waiver in November, is there um is there going to be a limit on the amount of hours she's be available or in a predium rate or is just a waiver based on what
we offer her? >> What I what I would say is that um what I think you're going to in order to obtain the this is again this is my best guess based on what I know from the department. >> Um I think that if you are actively engaged in searching for your next superintendent
when you you know the October rolls around then I I don't think that you're going to see as much of a push back from the department because the answer is going to be look we need you know we need this person to serve the next two months she no longer needs a waiver come January she would finish the year and then we
would be you know we are already on our way to hiring our next superintendent >> so the predium rate would just be set by what we offer her as a salary Um I mean that's up that is up to you in terms of how you negotiate things. I it
doesn't have to be >> um >> well I'm asking that specific question because our last interim wanted herd only. So I guess there there does have to kind of be that two-way conversation and be like what >> about how she how um yeah because of the
way that the um the limitations work the in terms of the the waiver itself the money isn't going to be an issue because it's based off the current incumbent of the last position she held um permanently which is the Wester public school superintendent. Um so my
understanding is that it is a matter of hours and time that she ends up needing the waiver for rather than money. Okay. >> Um, I'm available for a Zoom um, executive session if that's an option. >> So, let me let me see if I can set one
up for Monday. Um, which is the 29th. >> What does that do to our July 1st requirement to have a superintendent? We pushing it >> just to the wire.
>> You are pushing it to the wire. You might consider whether or not you know you are uh either naming and acting or asking me to name and acting for a few days. Um >> I do think that if you are if you are
offering the position and she has agreed then you're in a different place in visa v the state than you were even this time last week. So >> is it wrong to assume >> contractually with the with the salary we posted that
>> it's acceptable. Um >> I think we have somebody who's not muted. Um >> I don't know who that is. >> Um is it wrong to assume that? So I mean pe people apply based on the salary. I hope I'm understanding your question correctly.
>> So we we posted it with a salary. So they they're coming into it knowing it >> knowing that that is what you're offering. Correct. Yes. >> Okay. >> Yes. So I mean that is the other thing is that there there you have actually established parameters already. >> Right. that may not be but now you're actually you know it's a specific person
so it may be that you want to you know kind of narrow the range in some particular direction um but that is up to you >> just give us >> so being that we're missing an executive session for this evening >> but knowing what our posted salary was >> is it is it something we could ask our
attorney to start working on tomorrow with that number only and not knowing like then then the negotiation starts and you know what else is being asked for. >> I mean you could >> just to beat be beat the timeline of July one. >> No, that so that that is also a
possibility. You could um certainly request your attorney to um begin the conversation if you then post it for your executive session on Monday. Presumably your attorney could then be coming back to you and saying kind of here's where we're at. And you might even be able at a be at a place, you
know, at that point where you're saying, "Yes, she's already agreed to something or, you know, she's already sort of said these are my parameters." >> Um, you might even be able to get it done early next week. Yes. >> I think if I think if you all are comfortable with that, that might be the best way to go. Again, with that notion
of how how far down the road are you and how close are you to actually having this cut and dried um by the time we hit next Wednesday. >> So, do we start? I am very comfortable with moving forward in that direction as long as one of us is at least having an
initial welcome conversation, you know, introducing her to Kelly maybe or whatever. Is that like tomorrow? Like someone reaches out to let her know that >> we made the motion to offer her the >> um So, I mean, with your permission, I
would um I I actually would call call tonight um and just let let her know and make sure that she agrees. Um she doesn't she's aware of the timeline. Um but um yeah, that would then be my next
question is, you know, through you, Mr. Chair, who who I would be getting either her or who I would either getting be getting in touch with her or who I would be having her get in touch with. Well, my my thoughts on this would be set up an exe Well, all right. So,
there's two different things. set up an executive session and I'll see if Kelly's available to join us in that via phone or uh on Monday as soon as Monday. I could do that as soon as Monday. As far as reaching out, um
I mean I have who I I typically it would be the chairman, right? So I have no problem taking that call whatsoever. >> It doesn't have to be. >> It doesn't have to be. Yeah. And I would, you know, of course, welcome her aboard and and um but I have I have no
problem if she reaches out to all of us individually and uh or one of us. I have no issue either way. >> Do we have to make a motion on this? >> I don't even It's not It's It's informal. It's It's So you're Tracy,
you're going to call her. you're going to you uh and and tell her that she was chosen and I would hoping that she has will accept that and and to you know start talking about you know the negotiation end of it and and um and we
could set it up even on um I can have a post a meeting for an executive session on Monday night um if she's available beforehand she can come in and we can have a regular
um short regular meeting they're going into executive session she can meet the committee we have we can >> she she could be part of our executive session >> she can she can be part of our executive session yes so that's
>> so I guess back to who's gonna >> great so Mr. Sure. I think I'm thinking the only thing is I actually don't think that I have your telephone number, but I know that you have mine from emails and so forth. So maybe or maybe somebody can double check and just get it to me and I'll connect you with Moren. >> Sure.
>> Great. Um I also so I would say that if you want an initial conversation between your legal counsel and her to take place, that probably is something you want to make a motion to the question that somebody was asking about making a motion. you probably do want to make a motion to say to sort of request that
legal counsel have the initial conversation around contract parameters if that's the intent of the committee >> and and and I may the initial conversation with >> Moren. Okay. I just wonder. Yeah. So, yeah. So, the committee will authorize, you know,
and then I'll we'll let Kelly know um that this um the choice for new instrument would be reaching out to her to have that preliminary conversation. And that way that Kelly can >> make a motion that we
um contact Kelly tomorrow and ask her to be in touch with Moren to start the negotiation process of the interim um contract asking her to be appointed July 1st, 2026
through June 30, 2027. >> Motion made by Aaron, seconded by Chuck. Any discussion on that? >> All those in favor signify by saying I. I. I. >> I. I. >> I'm sorry, Mr. Chair. You should have them do it as a roll call because it's a
remote meeting. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Um Erin. >> Yes. Um >> Jane. >> Carrie. >> Yes. >> Matt. Yes. >> Chuck. Hi.
>> Scobby. >> Shock. Yes. >> And Dan Keefe is a yes. >> Okay. Thank you, Tracy. >> You're welcome. >> Okay. So, just so we have it, Tracy, you'll reach out to Moren tonight.
>> I will get you my number. I'll get you I'll email you my number. Um, and then you will then um in will you have Morin reach out to Kelly our our council in the in or
should I have Kelly reach out to Moren? >> Um, so I would say that if you're if you're going to I will connect you to Moren and then you can have an initial conversation with her that then kind of introduces her to Kelly. >> Excellent. Okay. >> So you're introducing >> I'm sorry I didn't hear that. contact
tomorrow. Someone needs to contact Kelly tomorrow. >> Yeah, somebody. >> Yeah, I will contact Kelly in the morning just to give her a heads up. Um and then when we get um when when I connect with Moren and then I will then
get in an email with Kelly and and Moren. >> I will have Jackie post tomorrow morning a meeting. So Dan, when you connect with Kelly, you should probably send her the job posting so she knows what what the job posting was. >> Yes, I will.
>> I'm sorry. It might be frozen. >> I can We can hear you, Erin. >> I don't know if I'm interrupting. >> No, we can hear you. >> Every time, >> but I can't hear you. So, I'm sorry if I'm over creepy. >> No problem. Okay.
Anything Anything else? All right. Thank you very much. >> Yeah. I just I would like to thank Tracy for her help with this process. It was daunting at best. Um and so I appreciated the expertise that came with
it. So, thank you very much. >> You're welcome. >> I'm glad I'm glad we were able to come to a successful conclusion here. >> Thank you, Tracy. >> And thank you, Jane. >> Thank you, Jane. Much appreciated. >> Thank you, >> both of you. You you worked tirelessly
on this. >> Absolutely. >> Motion do a journ. >> Thank you, Jane. >> Second. >> Motion by Jane. Hang on. We're going to do a roll call now. Seconded by Matt and the rest of the committee. Jane, >> yes.
>> Aaron, >> yes. >> Matt, >> yes. >> Chuck, >> yes. >> Terosy, >> yes. >> Terra Lockin, >> yes. >> Carrie Gette, >> yes. >> And Dan Keves, yes. Thank you very much.