The School Committee has a difficult decision to make.They had brief 15 minute interviews last night with 11 residents who had expressed interest in filling the open school committee seat. As one candidate noted, “This is a tremendous [applicant] pool.” That is a good problem; but winnowing it down to one will be a challenge. The committee did not deliberate at last night. The next step is a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen on the 19th.
How they will get from 11 to 1 together with Selectmen who may not have watched the interviews is unclear. Mr. Walker recommended that the members rank the candidates from 1 to 11. Then regardless of where the decision is made to cut (e.g. top 3, 4 or 5), they will be prepared to discuss their top choices.
The candidates, who were interviewed in an order determined by a random selection process, were each asked the same 5 questions. The questions were: 1) why are you the best qualified 2) what should the priorities of the school committee/district be for next two years 3) What has your record on involvement been with the schools 4) What has the School Committee done well? What could they have done better and 5) How would you ensure that the needs of all students at all levels and in all programs were addressed?
One question was asked by each of committee members. Mr. Walker asked two as Ms. Kelly was absent from session. Interviewees were also given opportunity to ask a question fo the committee at the end.
Strengths varied among individuals; but all had strengths. For some it was board experience, others a history of involvement with the schools, and others budget and management skills. All had and voiced a passion for the schools.
The joint meeting with the Selectmen is at 8:00PM on the 19th.