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Date: 10/26/2022
PALMER – Several community members gathered for the Palmer School Committee meeting on Oct. 19 in hopes of hearing information on the former Superintendent Patricia Gardner’s recent resignation.
Bonny Rathbone, chair of the School Committee, began the meeting by reading an email she sent out to Palmer Public School families and staff on Oct. 16. The email stated, “Superintendent Patricia Gardner has advised me that she is pursuing another work opportunity and is resigning from the Palmer Public Schools. We wish Ms. Gardner the best in her future endeavors.”
During public comment, a few individuals went before the committee to ask questions and search for answers on why Gardner left the district. Rathbone noted that only comments could be made – no questions. She added, “You have to be careful with who you’re referring to.” No names or inferences were allowed to be made of any personnel.
Later in the meeting, the School Committee had a discussion and deliberation on the approval to fill the vacant superintendent position.
Rathbone said the absence of a superintendent has created some issues with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the security portal, as a superintendent’s name must be listed in order for certain emails to be received.
“I took it upon myself to call [Director of Student Services] Colleen Culligan and ask her if she would be an emergency interim superintendent from Monday to Wednesday [Oct. 17 to 19], to help just in case we needed anything from DESE or anything else.” Culligan fulfilled the two-day request. At the time of the meeting, Rathbone explained that their task is to find an interim superintendent for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year. “Right now, we’re looking to fill a short-term superintendent position,” she said. Rathbone shared that she asked Culligan to serve as the short-term superintendent until they find an interim, to which Culligan accepted. The School Committee unanimously approved Culligan for the position. Rathbone noted that Culligan is licensed to serve in this role.
To assist in the interim superintendent search, Rathbone said she was told to reach out to the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and see if they have any retired superintendents who would be interested in coming to Palmer.
The School Committee will also be utilizing the MASC to gather information and look for guidance along the way. “I know that there are many people that would be interested in serving on the search committee and helping us out,” said Rathbone.
Sandra Noonan, vice chair, made a motion to look into the procedure to obtain an interim superintendent. The motion was seconded and approved by all members.
At the time of the meeting, there had not been a job posting for the vacant position. However, Rathbone said she was hopeful to have an interim superintendent within the next month.
As the meeting wrapped up, Joseph Nompleggi, School Committee member, addressed the rumors and speculations on social media regarding Gardner and her resignation.
“I know this is a really important issue to everyone and I know [that] not having the information is frustrating but unfortunately, we don’t have the answers yet,” he said.
He continued, “The speculation and the rumors and the gossip and everything that happened really just complicates everything and makes it worse and really, it’s a stain on the town.”
Nompleggi asked the community to make sure they know the truth before spreading misinformation. “I really want the nastiness out there to stop,” he added.
Noonan echoed Nompleggi’s point and said she “understands” people’s frustration. However, as elected officials, they are not able to release any information to the public. The School Committee has rules and regulations they must follow.
Reminder Publishing reached out to Rathbone, but she did not reply to a request for comment.