●              NESDEC Update on Superintendent Interviews was given by David DeRuosi, Jr., Ed.D., and Victor Mercurio, Ed.D.

The Screening Committee ranked the 18 applicants from various states and narrowed it down to seven for interviews.  They chose three finalists which will be interviewed by the School Committee.

The next steps for the School Committee have been outlined in a folder which was provided to them and is confidential.  There is an electronic link to the finalists’ resumes. 

The Screening Committee developed questions to ask the finalists, or to use as guidelines. 

Vice Chair Holden asked if the questions had already been used with the candidates to which Dr. DeRuosi replied no, they are new.

Chair Spengler said she would create a Google doc with the Screening Committee’s questions so that the School Committee could edit and add to them.  She told the other members they will also be able to ask questions on the fly based on conversations with the candidates.  This will allow them to delve deeper. 

Dr. DeRuosi provided examples.

Chair Spengler suggested the School Committee take notes after each question.  The Screening Committee took turns asking questions and when they deliberated, they set up a spreadsheet on the television and discussed each characteristic the community desired in the new superintendent.  This process was very successful.  She is going to ask the person who created the spreadsheet to assist her in creating one specifically for the finalists’ interviews to assist with deliberations.

Vice Chair Holden asked if they should allow each finalist to start with an opening for a set period of time at the beginning of their interview.

Dr. DeRuosi stated 30 minutes is appropriate for an opening.  The finalists would like to know what to focus on during this time.  The School Committee should text him the question so he can relay that to them.

Vice Chair Holden asked if all of the finalists should be asked to respond to the same question to which Dr. DeRuosi replied yes, there should be consistency.

Mr. O’Connell asked if they signed a contract with one of the finalists how long would it be? Three years?

Chair Spengler stated it would be up to the School Committee. Once the decision is made, then there will be contract negotiations with that person.

Mr. O’Connell asked what would happen if someone was chosen and they were not able to come to an agreement on a contract?

Chair Spengler stated the School Committee would reconvene if a contract cannot be negotiated. That is why nothing goes public until all negotiations are complete and the contract is signed.

Dr. DeRuosi said someone had asked if NESDEC did reference checks.  They do not.  NESDEC asks each applicant to provide references for each of their specific roles.  Each School Committee member will want to call a reference from each role and ask them a few questions from the reference sheet.

He reminded the School Committee that the packet is confidential and should remain confidential.  Each finalist was excited to be chosen as a finalist.

Mr. Huet asked if Chair Spengler should text Dr. DeRuosi once a finalist is chosen.

Chair Spengler said they would decide as a committee on a date they could all meet with the person chosen for superintendent to discuss the contract. 
Dr. DeRuosi stated the district lawyer would draft a contract to present to the incoming superintendent.

Dr. Mercurio said the contract will have room for multiple signatures, the Chair of the School Committee will be signing, but all of the members will be reviewing it.

Mr. Huet asked if all of the references are aware that this process is to remain confidential to which Dr. DeRuosi replied yes. He suggested emailing them to set up a time before they call, as they will not recognize their number.

Chair Spengler thanked Dr.DeRuosi for his help throughout the search. She found the  process to be very humbling and enjoyed working with the other community members.