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Date: 9/5/2023
AMHERST — Finance Director Dr. Douglas Slaughter is returning to his recent role as interim school superintendent as of the Aug. 31 meeting of the Joint Regional School Committee.
Slaughter’s appointment took effect immediately and extends until the end of the school term unless a permanent candidate is selected and approved prior to June 30, 2024.
Dr. Michael Morris’ tenure as superintendent ended as of Aug. 31 following the previous mutual decision between Morris and the joint committee for his departure. Slaughter’s return also comes after the resignations of three Amherst and one Pelham member from the committee.
The district and the committee have come under fire from community members and parents in the wake of the soon to be revealed results of a Title IX investigation as well as two active discrimination complaints against Morris, the district, and associated parties.
The current investigation and legal action emerged following allegations against staff members regarding their treatment of LGBTQIA+ students at the middle school. As a result, the investigation was initiated and Assistant Superintendent Doreen Cunningham was placed on leave, as were three middle school employees.
Discussions regarding the appointment of a temporary or interim superintendent were centered on Slaughter as the committee’s choice and members did indicate that Slaughter had agreed to return to the position.
Committee Member Jennifer Shaio expressed her appreciation to Slaughter for his willingness to serve again.
“I’m grateful to Doug that he’s willing to serve as the immediate interim and that he’s, my understanding is he’s willing to serve for the rest of the school year,” she said. “I think he will be a stabilizing impact on the district.”
The committee first heard public comment prior to the motions and vote to install Slaughter as the interim superintendent. A subsequent motion to enter executive session to discuss salary and contract specifics was voted down and the joint committee agreed and approved an annual salary of $170,000 for Slaughter in the role. The agreement also placed Slaughter on an unpaid leave of absence from his position as the finance director for the school districts.
Committee member Anna Heard also offered a point of clarification for the committee and the virtual audience.
“Mike Morris had nothing to do with the selection and he will have nothing to do with the selection of the permanent superintendent when we do our full search,” she said. “This is strictly the School Committee coming to this recommendation.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, Slaughter offered his thanks to the joint committee.
“I’m appreciative of your trusting me with the responsibility of this for the coming year and I’ll work diligently to try to do the best job I can to support the kids as best we can to keep the focus on kids throughout the year and leverage the incredible staff we have to do best by the kids and support in their educational pursuits at Amherst schools and Pelham schools, and the regional school district.”