Adams-Cheshire Taps Pittsfield Principal For Superintendent
The committee makes its decision a new superintendent.
After brief discussion at its regular meeting Monday, the School Committee unanimously voted to hire the principal of Pittsfield's Crosby Elementary School as the district's new top administrator.
"Aaron feels like the right guy at the right time," School Committee member Michael Mucci said.
The School Committee interviewed Dean and Beth Choquette, principal of Northampton's Bridge Street School, last week but decided to hold off their decision until their next scheduled meeting.
Three finalists were selected by a search committee that jumped into action after former Superintendent John Vosburgh resigned at the end of July after a year on the job.
The School Committee also considered Martin McEvoy, currently principal of Herberg Middle School in Pittsfield, but he withdrew his name before the final interviews took place.
All members of the School Committee echoed the sentiment that they thought Choquette would have done a great job however Dean's specific experience and connection to the district that he taught in for over 10 years tipped each member's vote towards his favor.
"I think there is a real advantage of having someone come back to be a leader of the district that they were a student in," School Committee member Peter Tatro said. "I think that it is a real advantage ... he has a lot of knowledge of our current programming."
Specifically, the School Committee liked that he worked outside of the district but still in Berkshire County. Also his experience on the McCann School Committee and as a teachers' union president ticked some boxes in Dean's favor.
"Aaron brings it all to the table he has been an administrator, he has been a teacher, he has been a union president and that is key for me," Chairman Adam Emerson said.
The School Committee will schedule a meeting in the near future to negotiate a contract with Dean.
In other business, the School Committee unanimously voted to appoint Adams resident Dr. Martin Bush to the School Committee.
"I think that I can have a voice on this council and I hope I can bring some confidence to our district," he said. "There are a lot of good things we do over there and I hope I can shed light on."
In the past election, no one ran for the seat vacated by Adams representative Paul Butler. The School Committee solicited for candidates and only recently found some interest.
The local dentist said he wants to shine a spotlight on all the good things happening in the district to combat some of the negativity in the community.
Bush said he has been involved in youth sports and has a child in the district. He added that he is a straight shooter so will bring an honest, independent voice to the board.
The committee also interviewed Nanette Reid but decided to go with Bush.
Bush will have to run for re-election in May.
Interim Superintendent Al Skrocki told the School Committee that Hoosac Valley Elementary School Principal Michelle Colvin will step down in September. He said he will begin the search process.
The committee appointed Jodi Drury as the director of student services.
The School Committee accepted a $6,000 grant from General Dynamics to support STEM programming; $2,000 will be given to each school.
Tags: ACRSD, appointments, HVRSD, superintendent,
