1994-06-23 School Committee Minutes

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SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES 2 JUNE 23, 1994 Dr. Munnelly gave an example: Should Reading have a Business and Industrial Authority which has bonding funds to develop sites for commercial building zone or an ECON Development Commission which can travel out -of -state to attract new industry. The Superintendent suggested that the School Committee appoint an Interim Superintendent as soon as possible and to then appoint a Superintendent later. He asked them to discuss some of the key issues he outlined. when asked when a successful candidate would be hired as the superintendent, Ms. D'Antona replied an Interim Superintendent would go through a full school year with the understanding a superintendent would be hired at that time. Mr. Shannon stated School Committee should be looking for a manager with strong interpersonal skills. He expressed concern over the Interim Superintendent being an inhouse candidate who then would apply for the position. Ms. Cavicchi stated it would be unfair not to consider a person who shows initiative. This person should have a paper trail. Mr. Cummings stated it is imperative to hire an Interim Superintendent and then begin the search, otherwise the time will be out of sync with the budget. He added we need someone with central office experience who will understand the budget and the issues of class size. Chair D ' Antona stated the importance to have someone who knows the people within the system, someone who will participate in the hiring, who knows how Reading operates, and that he /she have the same powers as the superintendent and be able to be hired for a one year contract. Dr. Munnelly stated the School Committee would be limiting their choice when they offer a one year contract. He also reminded School Committee members that a retired Super- intendent hired by us as an Interim is limited to how much time /money they can make. School Committee members recognized that someone who could only work on a part-time basis would not be able to handle all of the demands put on the administration. Chair D'Antona stated under the Education Reform Law a Super- intendent and Special Education Director are required at all times. She asked the Superintendent for his personal recom- mendation and other expressions of interest.