Timeline Set For School Boss Search

Timeline Set For School Boss Search
'Gansett superintendent could be hired as early as December
Eryn Dion
News Staff Writer

TEMPLETON  — The Narra­gansett Regional School Com­mittee laid out a draft timeline Wednesday night for a superintendent search that could see a new administrator hired as early as December.

Committee member Victoria Chartier said she had spoken with Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Comm­ittees, in an effort to compose a schedule and establish what services the association could provide to assist Narragansett in its search.

“They’re going to walk us through the whole process,” said Ms. Chartier, adding that the association will conduct the orientation for search committee members and organize focus groups within the district to collect as much input as possible before heading into interviews.

Interim Superintendent Dr. Stephen Hemman said many of these services come from MASC at no cost. However, for about $10,000, the association will do more in-depth work, filling the role of a consultant throughout the search. The cost can be spread over three years and is between $5,000 and $20,000 less than other consultant organizations ask for.

“Engaging them for their services makes sense,” he said.

The committee voted to adopt the timeline, as well as hire MASC for its consulting services.

According to the draft timeline, the search would officially kick off when the position is advertised on Aug. 31. The search committee would be appointed on Sept. 10, with the job application period closing on Oct. 2. Preliminary interviews would be conducted during mid-October, resulting in finalist interviews held at the end of November and an offer hopefully made by the end of the calendar year.

While many committee members have pushed for a quick turnaround on the search, Dr. Hemman cautioned that going through the process too early may leave out qualified candidates and, between Narragansett, Winchendon and Athol-Royalston officially looking for superintendents, timing in their endeavor could be crucial.

“I know you want to get out early, but don’t be too early,” he said.

The draft timeline allows for some flexibility, and Dr. Hemman suggested pushing the search back as needed, with mid-March acting as the latest possible date to select a candidate.

“You can always go later, but you can never go earlier,” agreed member Margaret Hughes.

Members also voted on the makeup of the 13-person search committee, which will include three School Committee members, one administrator, three teachers, three parents, two community members and one member of the UFCW. Letters of interest to join the search committee can be sent to the central office before Aug. 31.