Framingham School Committee Not Ready to Hire Assistant Superintendent

The Framingham School Committee, in a closed session meeting, unanimously agreed not to approvethe hiring of a new assistant superintendent. The vote was 7-0.

School Committee Chair Beverly Hugo announced the vote and decision during the School Committee’s meeting on Tuesday night, but would not elaborate on the reasons why.

Earlier this month, Framingham Superintendent of Schools Stacy Scott, in a press release, named the current COO of Building Excellent Schools, Matthew Brunell, as his pick to be the next assistant superintendent.

Framingham Patch was the only media outlet to report the news on Jan. 6.

At the Jan. 6 School Committee meeting, the Framingham Teachers Association co-presidents spoke against the selection during the public comment portion of the meeting.

“We do not know the exact purpose for bringing in someone mid-year at such a large salary, especially given that the money could be better spent on schools and programs that need it. Shouldn’t this money be directed to where it is most needed, if we are making decisions in the best interest of our kids?,” said Sarah McKeon, one of the co-presidents of the teachers union.

After last night’s School Committee meeting, Scott told Patch he still wants to hire an assistant superintendent. He said the delay had nothing to do with a hiring freeze within the district.

“The School Committee said they needed more information before they could vote,” said Scott.

The School Committee must vote on the position and the contract, before an assistant superintendent could join the district.

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Brunell, if approved, would replace Mark Price, who left after one year with the school district.

Prince was paid more than $125,000 as Assistant Superintendent. He stayed for about one year of a 3-year contract.

Brunell is currently the COO of Building Excellent Schools, which supports entrepreneurs to design, found, lead and sustain excellent charter schools in underserved communities nationwide.

In the past 15 years, finalist Brunell has served as an attorney; public school teacher; school administrator, and chief officer for a national educational non-profit organization, according to the Framingham district’s press release

“I look forward to working with Matt and his systemic approach to organizations and his different experiences in addressing educational leadership and management challenges, “ said Scott in his press release announcement of his pick on January 6.