Three candidates in running for superintendent

John Howell
Posted 9/1/15

There were 24. Now there are three, and this week interim superintendent William Holland aims to narrow that down to two finalists for the new superintendent of Warwick Schools.

While most of …

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Three candidates in running for superintendent

Posted

There were 24. Now there are three, and this week interim superintendent William Holland aims to narrow that down to two finalists for the new superintendent of Warwick Schools.

While most of those applying to run the Warwick system were from out of state, the three left in the running are all currently working in Rhode Island schools.

“They’re all in-state,” Holland said. “We didn’t find the quality [out of state] nor did they have the experience with the unique union environment [of Rhode Island].”

Holland did not disclose whether any of the three candidates currently work in the Warwick system, and he said all the candidates are “almost paranoid” about having their names revealed.

That cloak of secrecy will be lifted if the School Committee feels comfortable with the candidates and the finalists are prepared for the next step, a forum at which the public will have the opportunity to meet and hear them. The final step to the selection will be up to the committee.

Holland said a committee comprised of committee chair Jennifer Ahearn and several key department personnel vetted the list of candidates. He said interviews were conducted with four in person and a fifth over the telephone.

“The interview committee has done its due diligence,” Holland said. This consisted of reference checks and searches on the Internet.

Holland, who was named in July when former superintendent Richard D’Agostino retired, has made selection of a superintendent a top priority. His goal is to have the position filled and the person aboard by the end of the year or the beginning of next year at the latest. It is assumed that whoever is selected will need to give their current employer sufficient notice for the position they’re leaving to be filled.

Holland hasn’t wasted any time in his search. The process of narrowing down the list of candidates started as soon as the deadline for applications passed last week. He would like to have the forum soon but realizes the next week is going to be full.

“I want to get on the other side of the opening of school,” he said.

What may be a consideration and a potential hurdle is what the job will pay. Holland said there are smaller districts than Warwick paying $170,000 plus benefits.

“It depends whether you want a body or if you want quality,” he said.

As interim, Holland has been active in the system and visible in the community. He’s participated in committee meetings on school consolidation and in teacher contract negotiations. The current contract expires this month, and an agreement prior to the opening of schools tomorrow is improbable.

Holland has attended City Council meetings, met members of the council as well as some department directors, and kept Mayor Scott Avedisian informed of developments. He’s made an effort to open lines of communication between the two branches of municipal government and build trust.

But the greater part of his work has been focused on understanding the challenges and assets of the system so as to find the best match for superintendent going forward. Whether any of the three finalists is fit for that job could be decided within a few short weeks.

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  • Justanidiot

    The three unknown superintendents.

    Sounds like a murder mystery.

    Too bad transparency is something that is not believed in here. Let's rush ahead with Larry,Moe, and Shirley. Toss them against the wall, maybe one will stick.

    Tuesday, September 1, 2015 Report this