Search is on for superintendent

John Howell
Posted 7/23/15

William Holland has hit the ground running.

In his first four days as interim superintendent of Warwick Schools he has viewed all 23 Warwick schools and been briefed on their physical condition; …

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Search is on for superintendent

Posted

William Holland has hit the ground running.

In his first four days as interim superintendent of Warwick Schools he has viewed all 23 Warwick schools and been briefed on their physical condition; participated in the ongoing process of preparing for school consolidation; participated in teacher contract negotiations; and posted notice that the city is seeking applicants for a superintendent.

There’s been a lot more, too.

He’s met with department directors and talked with many people. Today he meets with Mayor Scott Avedisian, who has his own set of issues to talk about.

In an hour-long interview Tuesday, Holland emphasized the importance of finding the right man or woman to lead Warwick schools and that the system has good people, but that changes are needed.

“It’s a priority to get out from in front of the computer screen,” Holland said of his efforts to get to know not only the school district and its administrators and teachers, but also the community from its leaders to parents and students. Those are attributes he would also be looking for in a superintendent.

Frequently in situations where a committee is seeking to fill the top slot, a consultant will be retained to conduct a search, narrowing down the candidates to three or four who are then interviewed.

Holland doesn’t want to spend the time or the money to do that. He’s going to screen the candidates and as for spending money, he would rather it go into advertising to create the biggest pool of qualified candidates. The district will accept applications up until Aug. 24. The job is being advertised with a salary range of $150,000 to $170,000.

While Holland says it is not the best time of year to be looking for candidates, he is hopeful there are people who will see the potential of the job.

“The kind of person you want has got to be excited by the challenge,” he said.

Once the field of applicants has been narrowed, Holland advocates a process in which finalists are identified and participate in a public forum where they articulate their vision and address questions submitted in writing. Following this the committee would meet with the candidates and pursue their questioning.

If it all comes together, Holland sees a new superintendent in place by the end of the year, if not sooner.

Finding the right candidate, he recognizes, is also doing the groundwork so they see the tools are there to do the job. Parts of that include the teacher contract and what limitations and opportunities it offers; what steps have been taken toward consolidation; taxpayer and political support for schools and having a capable team with which to work.

He doesn’t see the system as a fixer-upper. This is a rebuild.

“The foundation is here,” he said. “It’s building the house and it’s a new house.”

Holland doesn’t dwell on the past or the turmoil of the last several months where a favored candidate for superintendent was rejected by the committee; the incumbent superintendent retired after getting caught up in handling of a Gorton teacher who drew phallic symbols on the arms of two female students and the only remaining candidate dropped out after a teacher mounted a campaign to expose his controversial career record.

“I want to think positive of this and not bring in the conflict,” he said.

That may not be easy.

Councilwomen Donna Travis, Kathleen Usler and Camille Vella-Wilkinson are pushing for a full explanation of the Gorton incident and the release of a report, at least to the mayor and council, of how the matter was handled. That’s part of it. The mayor and other council members have repeatedly complained of the lack of communication between the city administration and schools, not to mention the committee’s demand for additional funding although the department repeatedly ends the year with respectable surpluses.

“The reality is the taxpayers are dissatisfied, the political leaders are dissatisfied and the economy isn’t doing well,” said Holland.

“We are spending all these dollars and where are the results?” he asks.

It’s deeper than dollars.

Holland points to test scores, especially in math and science, which are not only weak in Warwick but also statewide. While it has not surfaced yet, he imagines a level of parental concern as sixth grade, now part of elementary schools, is integrated into two middle schools [Winman and what is now Vets High], not to mention the training of teachers and building of school leadership.

He sees building trust as critical to the process. And he is confident.

“You have some good people here in spite of all the things. There are a lot of good things going here,” he said.

A former state commissioner of education and superintendent in several districts, Holland has a 40-year career in education. When interviewed immediately following his appointment last week, Holland said he had actively sought the interim job in Warwick. He was approached to apply and after looking at it, he was taken by the challenge.

Holland is paid on a per diem rate of $600.

He also notes he is on a tight leash.

Under the terms of the contract either side can end the engagement with three days notice.

So far, the first full week is drawing to a close and he’s still here.

Comments

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  • Reality

    Warwick's brain trust is in charge. It's hysterical that Vella-Wilkinson, Travis and Usler are on the case. Can anyone tell me what all 3 collectively have accomplished on the city council? The Beacon just wrote the story on the 19 hired for summer jobs without it being posted. Neither Vella-Wilkinson, Travis or Usler said a thing. Maybe that's because the Mayor gave Travis's daughter a job at the library.

    In case anyone doesn't know....the city council has no control over the schools but they do have control over the city budget and let's not forget we got another tax increase this year. I don't remember the dynamic trio saying a word about it.

    It's time they are replaced on the council.

    Thursday, July 23, 2015 Report this

  • JohnStark

    I don't disagree that they should be replaced, but that does not negate the point that the secrecy surrounding the Gorton Incident is deeply troubling.

    Agree with interim Supt. Holland in terms of cost saving. We're not seeking a CEO for Exxon or GE. Why this has to take nearly a year is utterly bewildering, to the extent that Warwick requires s a superintendent in the first place. OK, maybe because the genuflecting beaurocrats at the DOE say so.

    “We are spending all these dollars and where are the results?” he asks. Mr. Holland echoes the sentiments of about 85,000 Warwick citizens, but clearly highlights the point that more money does not equate to better results. If it did, families would be clamoring to get their kids into the third-world mud hole known as the Providence public schools. Mr.. Holland's quote should be posted at every school committee meeting.

    Thursday, July 23, 2015 Report this