Final Superintendent Candidates Publicly Interviewed

It was standing room only Tuesday night at the Barnstable High School library. An audience of teachers, parents, administrators and students gathered to listen to three Barnstable superintendent finalists answer questions posed by the school committee.

The school committee asked a variety of questions, touching upon such subjects like budgeting, leadership, drugs and alcohol, and special education. Candidates also spoke of their noteworthy accomplishments, elements they believe influence school curriculum and strategies to enhance effective teaching. Each individual interview lasted around 50 minutes.

Marshfield’s current superintendent, Middleton McGoodwin, was the first interviewee to take the stage.

McGoodwin believed that his leadership style would be a good fit for Barnstable. He emphasized the importance of teamwork and treating all parties with respect. According to McGoodwin, schools and municipalities are not separate identities and need to work together as a team - exactly how Barnstable is configured.

McGoodwin also emphasized that the question of “how can we do business differently?” is important to ask when addressing financial constraints and effective teaching. In the past, McGoodwin has made certain aspects of Marshfield’s school system more efficient, thus avoiding having to eliminate programs because of budgetary restraints.

Agawam’s superintendent of nine years, Mary Czajkowski, was the night’s second interviewee.

Czajkowski began by describing what her priorities would be during her first 90 days as Barnstable superintendent. She emphasized the importance of “being visible” not just in the school system but also in the community.

“I would move as quickly as possible to live in the Barnstable community,” said Czajkowski.

Czajkowski went on to speak of her personal beliefs on successful budgeting and combating drugs and alcohol abuse. According to Czajkowski it is vital for a district to allocate resources based on priorities and to develop a “needs based budget.” In the past Czajkowski has helped students overcome drug and alcohol problems by forming a district wide support team which has included clergy members, school administrators, counselors and policemen.

Last up was Frank Hacket, the current Pembroke superintendent.

One of Hacket’s most noteworthy achievements is the simple realization of the impact he has been able to have on individual students’ lives. According to Hacket, trust is very important in developing healthy relationships with students, and in developing a successful school budget.

Hacket expressed the importance of a curriculum which articulates expectations and uses common assessments. According to Hacket, it is vital to be clear about expectations for not just students, but for teachers too.

Hacket believes it is important to have a “push to civility” for students, parents, teachers and administrators. When dealing with drugs, alcohol, and bullying the school system, according to Hacket, is just one player at work. “There are deeper issues at play,” he said.

Each candidate spoke differently about each topic presented by the school committee, however many of their responses echoed the same general themes.

All three finalists made it clear that it would be their priority to develop healthy relationships within and outside of the school system. Having a successful school district, according to the finalists, can not be done alone and includes a community effort.

Establishing clear goals for students and educators is also a priority all three candidates agree upon. Having a set of clear expectations for students and teachers will help to gauge the progress of students and the effectiveness of instruction.

Next week school committee members will visit each finalist at their respective school district. The school committee will reconvene on March 24 to vote on Barnstable’s next superintendent.