BCS Leadership Positions Filled

by Phillip Zema
In the wake of Superintendant Gregory’s resignation, Berlin’s BOE had little time to decide who would assume leadership of the District.  On June 29, the BOE appointed Eileen Leffler, Grafton’s former Principal, as interim superintendant.  They also officially approved resolutions to make Berlin art instructor Jason Breh the interim middle school principal and Cathy Allain the high school principal with tenure. Each of these appointments takes effect on July 1.
The Board also passed resolutions to make Leffler the middle school principal with tenure and to accept her leave of absence from this very position so that she could assume interim superintendant duties. The BOE also accepted a resolution to grant Breh a leave of absence from his position as art instructor so he could serve as the interim middle school principal.  They also officially accepted Allain’s resignation as middle school principal. Breh and Leffler have their interim positions “until such time as the Board appoints a new Superintendent of Schools.”
Each of these resolutions passed, but several members of the BOE were displeased with the appointment process. Beverly Stewart thought well of each appointee and the administrative team, yet she believed the new superintendant and BOE should have a say in the hiring process. Thomas Morelli also had nothing against the appointees, but shared Stewart’s concerns and questioned whether these positions had to be filled two days before Gregory’s resignation took effect.  He also thought the District should have conducted interviews for each position.
Gina Goodermote emphasized that only Allain’s position was locked in and the new BOE could make changes if necessary.  Elizabeth Miller added that while the hiring process should have been conducted earlier, she supported the administration and believed they would appoint the best possible people. Jeffrey Paine shared Miller’s confidence that the administrative team chose the best personnel for the job.  Furthermore, BOE president Frank Zwack claimed that since the school would be occupied with students before the new Board meets on July 12, the administrative positions had to be filled.
Before the meeting closed, the Board discussed the future of the Leadership Advisory Committee.  There was consensus among the Board that this committee was a valuable resource for the community and District.  Accordingly, the discussion about the committee will be an action item at the July 12 meeting.  At that meeting there will also be discussion regarding the permanent superintendent search.