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Date: 2/21/2023
PALMER — The search for a new superintendent of Palmer Public Schools is moving along, as the deadline to apply has already passed.
Tracy Novick from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) attended the Feb. 15 Palmer School Committee meeting to provide an update on the superintendent search process.
She noted that the application deadline for the search was Feb. 17 at 3 p.m. At the time of the meeting, she said she did not look at how many applications were received, as most of applications typically come in a day or two before the deadline.
Novick said the applications would be turned around within one day for the search committee to have.
“All applications are confidential,” shared Novick.
She noted that the search committee has already hosted an orientation session and is scheduled to meet again on Feb. 28 at 6 p.m. to discuss two items. The first item will be in the public portion of the session, to go over topics they would like to cover in the interviews. Novick said the Attorney General has found that the creation of questions for interviews for a position like superintendent needs to be done in public session.
The search committee will then move into executive session to deliberate on who they want to call forward as semifinalists. Those individuals will be pulled for interviews. Novick said the goal is to conduct interviews during the first week of March. The search committee will then report back to the School Committee at its next meeting on March 15.
School Committee Chair Bonny Rathbone noted that student representative Edward Paren, who was selected to serve on the search committee, is no longer able to due to time commitments. However, 11th grader Bill Partelo will be filling that seat and will also serve as chair of the search committee.
Novick went on to share results from the recent survey that was created to gauge thoughts and opinions on what the community would like to see in the next superintendent. She noted that the online survey garnered 193 responses – most of which came from parents, along with teachers and others.
Survey results showed the strengths of the district were “indicated quite clearly,” said Novick.
She continued, “While there was a clear expression of an immediate need for building of trust through communication and transparency, the fact that teachers and school staff are caring and compassionate for students in Palmer came through quite clearly.” Novick noted that these responses came directly from parents. Other responses said Palmer Public Schools can be described as a “tight knit community,” with a “strong sense of pride” working in service of students.
One area that was highlighted as a strength was the after-school program.
According to the survey, the main challenge for the next superintendent will be to rebuild communication across the district and create an atmosphere of trust. This includes the improvement of collaboration and communication which should be a priority as well as nurtured and maintained by the superintendent, shared Novick.
She noted that some areas were flagged such as concerns with addressing bullying as well as social emotional learning and support.
Additional responses showed curriculum review planning and implementation should be a priority to ensure curriculum is being implemented with fidelity across all grade levels, said Novick.
School Committee member Joseph Nompleggi said, “Things are [going to] happen fast and furious now,” as the search committee has met and a superintendent recommendation will be made in about one month. He encourages anyone with advice or feedback to reach out to the School Committee.