Committee Begins Search For Gerardi's Replacement

With just seven weeks left before Superintendent Robert Gerardi leaves the Woonsocket Education Department to take a position in Maynard, MA, School Committee members are seeking qualified applicants to serve as an interim.

Committee members Eleanor Nadeau and Linda Majewski, as members of the Personnel and Contracts Subcommittee, led the search for Gerardi to replace Maureen Macera just three short years ago, and will spearhead the process once again.

"When Dr. Macera left, we had three months to find a superintendent," said Majewski. "By contrast, Dr. Gerardi has provided us with a 60 day notice."

Although the committeewoman said she would prefer to hire a full-time candidate to fill the job, she fears they will likely not have enough time. The pair will look at the Rhode Island Association of School Committees database to seek an appropriate candidate, but also said they would be happy to receive applications from others in the district.

"Our goal is to have someone in place permanently by the start of the school year," said Nadaeu.

Committeewoman Anita McGuire-Forcier suggested that Deputy Superintendent Marc Garceau be considered for the interim.  "We now have instructional leaders who could take over the majority of what he does for us," she said.

With three members of the school committee, including Nadeau, Majewski and Chairman Marc Dubois leaving in the fall, McGuire-Forcier said she would be more comfortable with someone who knows the district, the parents and the staff.  

"I think what the deputy offers us is stability and I think that's what's important right now," said Committeewoman Vimala Phongsavanh.

A subcommittee of 20 people helped to choose Gerardi in 2008, in a process that both Nadeau and Majewski felt was fair and efficient. Committee members asserted that the individual selected to serve the district as interim superintendent could also be considered for the full-time permanent position.

"There's going to be plenty of discussion on this matter," said Dubois. "We are not going to rush and hire someone for July 1."