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Date: 5/19/2022
SPRINGFIELD – Cited as a central cog of the Springfield Public School district’s improved performance, Superintendent Daniel Warwick received a two-year contract extension during the School Committee’s May 13 meeting, despite some disagreements.
Mayor and School Committee Chair Domenic Sarno shared that he requested the extension for Warwick, whose contract was originally set to expire in 2023. The terms of the contract remain the same, and Warwick will now serve as superintendent until June 30, 2025.
In his explanation, Sarno cited the “massive progress” occurring during Warwick’s decade-long tenure as superintendent.
“The proof is in the pudding … I want to make sure we keep the progress we have on board. To me, I am just looking at the massive progress that’s been made in our school district here. … We have a proven commodity here, and I am glad the superintendent is willing to stay on board,” said Sarno.
School Committee members Barbara Gresham and Denise Hurst aired some concerns with the extension. Gresham questioned why the superintendent extension was occurring in May as opposed to when the School Committee previously extended his contract in December 2018, while Hurst stressed the importance of making the process transparent.
“This is one of those critical decisions we make. Why does it have to happen so quickly … why can’t it be a topic of conversation before it moves to a full vote? … It really feels like we’re moving down the road of there being a lack of transparency and an expedited decision,” said Hurst.
School Committee member LaTonia Naylor advocated for establishing discussions and a consensus before voting. Naylor also cited potential difficulties that could occur with Warwick’s new contract set to expire during an election year for the School Committee.
“As of the last year, we haven’t worked together as a body. There’s been a lot of decisions that have been made very quickly without consideration of all of us and what our input may be on certain affairs. … My hope is we can work together as body to make decisions that are this crucial to the success of all of our kids,” said Naylor.
In response, Sarno referenced the recent superintendent turmoil in South Hadley, Chicopee and Boston as a reason to stay the course.
“My thought process is very simple … I go to the old saying ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ and I just see what’s going on in surrounding other communities starting over [and] controversies occurring. The accomplishments that have been put forth under the tenure of Superintendent Warwick are very strong and very good. Why would we not want to keep a capable leader,” questioned Sarno.
The mayor cited the school district’s drastic improvements in dropout rate and graduation rate during Warwick’s tenure. He also highlighted the superintendent’s consistent leadership as Springfield constructed the most new and rehabbed schools in the state.
“We have a good team on the field. As the mayor, I am looking out for the best interest of our students,” said Sarno. School Committee members Peter Murphy and Josiah Gonzalez also expressed support for the extension and Warwick’s tenure.
The School Committee approved Warwick’s contract in a 4-3 vote.