Screening Process For New RMHS Principal Approved

The School Committee voted on Monday night to approve the timeline and screening process in the search for the next principal of Reading Memorial High School as requested by Superintendent Dr. John Doherty.

Doherty kicked off his presentation by extending thanks to current RMHS Principal Elinor Freedman for her work at the high school over the past three years. Freedman recently announced that she plans to retire at the end of the year.

Doherty also stated that he considers the search for a new principal to be extremely important.

“We will be taking this search very seriously,” he said. “It is one large data collection process ... The process allows for vetting to happen, to choose the best candidate.”

The Screening Committee established will include Human Resources Administrator Elizabeth Conway as facilitator, two administrators, three teachers, three parents and a representative from the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse. The committee’s main objective will be to review the applicants and make recommendations to the Superintendent, as ultimately, the final decision rests with him.

There will be no student representative on the committee because, as Doherty explained, it puts the student under a lot of pressure and also potentially exposes them to confidential information. He did, however, state that he would love to have “open mic sessions” with just students.

“We want to get the absolute best candidate we can,” Doherty said.

School Committee member Karen Janowski enquired as to the lack of a School Committee member on the Screening Committee.

“Historically, a member of the School Committee has been a part of the Screening Committee,” she said. “Why not now?”

Doherty responded by stating his belief that the role of the School Committee is not personnel, and that they are prohibited from doing so by statute. He assured the committee there would be many opportunities for them to be involved in the process.

School Committee member Lisa Gibbs also pointed out the Department of Education advises against School Committee members being on the Screening Committee.

RMHS student representative Garrison Doodlesack asked how the student open mics described by Doherty would work.

The Superintendent said it would be part of a day long visit, and students would be able ask finalist questions, within certain parameters.

Doherty stated the goal was to hire someone by April break, with an eye towards having the principal begin work on July 1.

The process and timeline were approved by a 5-1 vote, with Janowski in dissent.