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Date: 1/26/2023
WARE – Candidate Michael P. Lovato received unanimous approval from the School Committee to become the new superintendent of Ware Public Schools.
On Jan. 11, 12 and 13, the three finalists in the superintendent search were interviewed by the School Committee. The three finalists were William E. Collins, a previous superintendent of the Parishville-Hopkinton Central School District in Parishville, NY, and past principal of William E. Norris Elementary School in Southampton; Robert J. Gerardi Jr., current superintendent of the New Shoreham School Department on Block Island; and Lovato, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning in the Chelsea Public Schools.
During the Jan. 18 School Committee meeting, Chairman Christopher Desjardins said members took some time to digest all the information provided and were ready to make a decision.
Member Michael Foran recognized everyone who has participated in the superintendent search as well those who came out to meet the candidates, making it a “community effort.”
As the district is in good shape, Foran said the search for him was more about continuing this progress in the future. He noted that all three finalists were “really good candidates” and any of them could have stepped into the role, however, a challenge was to find the “best fit for Ware,” he said. After a lot of thought, Foran shared that his choice for superintendent is Lovato.
Foran said he feels strongly about the philosophy Lovato shared around collaboration, partially being a strategic thinker and his description around a three-to-five-year plan for a district that is continuing to move forward.
Although Lovato is thinking ahead, his plan is to start now with the graduating seniors. “I thought that was commendable,” added Foran.
Member Brian Winslow expressed how “difficult” this decision has been. After going through notes, emails, resumes and more, he said he did not make a decision until the day of the School Committee meeting. While he believes all candidates were well qualified for the position, Winslow shared that his choice is also Lovato.
He explained that Collins was easy to eliminate as his experience is in academics and he is also a theorist which the district “does not need.”
Gerardi also had a lot of experience and people spoke highly of him; however, Winslow noted a disconnect between a lot of the comments, responses and emotions he made throughout the interview.
With Lovato, he said, “A large part that swayed me was people’s comments that had spent time with him.”
School Committee member Aaron Sawabi served on the superintendent search committee. He shared that all candidates were brought to the tables as equals. Additionally, he said that all candidates pointed out that Ware is in “great shape” and has been well positioned, with the help of Superintendent Dr. Marlene DiLeo.
By hearing feedback from the search committee, receiving emails and conducting site visits, Sawabi said he was also in favor of Lovato.
Desjardins shared that he was “very impressed” during the first interview with Collins and thought he would be a “good face of the district.”
With Gerardi’s interview, Desjardins said he took a lot longer than Collins to answer questions and it didn’t seem as “smooth.” He added that there was some awkwardness with the conversations and the handouts he provided the School Committee members.
At the third interview with Lovato, Desjardins said he knew by question number three that he was the best candidate they had seen. “It didn’t take long for me to make that kind of decision in the process. The way he answered the questions, the way he addressed the committee – I mean I think he did a great job speaking and that’s important in this role,” Desjardins said.
However, the one hesitation Desjardins had was the question around Lovato’s employment. “We were made aware that he wasn’t currently in the role that was on his application, and I struggled with that a lot,” shared Desjardins.
“My assessment of the candidates is certainly – without a doubt – that Michael Lovato is the best of the three, but I can be honest with everyone here when I tell you that I still haven’t decided what my vote will be and that is just because of the lack of being totally at ease.”
Member Julie Slattery noted that Lovato had a “very strong interview.”
“I found a lot of things that he said hit home for me in the aspects that I was hoping for, for our district and our students and our staff,” said Slattery. “I found him to be very humble yet very confident. Very staff supportive, data driven, had a lot of knowledge about special needs and things that our students really need.”
Slattery said Collins was also a strong choice for her, as his responses were direct and insightful, making the decision challenging. With Gerardi, she said there was too much information provided that was not aligned with what was being asked at specific times.
Slattery thanked the committees for their time on this search and bringing forward the three candidates.
Before a vote was made, Tracy Novick from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees explained that the motion would be to appoint pending contract negotiations.
Sawabi made a motion to select Lovato for the superintendent search. The motion was seconded and unanimously approved by all members.
Superintendent’s report
DiLeo shared that on Jan. 17, Ware Public Schools welcomed David Fredette as the new assistant principal at Ware Junior Senior High School. Fredette has an administrative license in both middle and high school administration.
Temporary superintendent
Special Education Director Jessica Bolduc was unanimously appointed as temporary superintendent while DiLeo is on leave for roughly four to six weeks, beginning Jan. 30. DiLeo noted that Bolduc is certified to fill this position and has done so in the past.
Fitness room remodel update
Athletic Director Thomas Shamgochian provided an update on the fitness center at the Ware Junior Senior High School.
He noted that the new rubber floor was installed, the blinds were replaced, the room was painted and the view boards/TV was installed. All the equipment was delivered and installed during holiday break when nobody was in the school.
Shamgochian shared a slideshow of photos with the School Committee to show what the fitness center currently looks like.
“The room is built for our general population, our gym classes, for our athletics – it really was built for everybody so there’s something in there for anyone that’s interested in using it,” he said.
Shamgochian noted that new LED lighting will also be installed in April. He thanked DiLeo for making sure that could happen.
“We have set a date of trying to be open by the end of January,” said Shamgochian. He shared that they are ahead of schedule but are working on final signage and policies.