Trailor Temporarily Takes Helm Of WED

Dr. Collette Trailor is ready to help take on the challenges facing the Woonsocket Education Department, at least for now.

With more than 20 years experience in leading districts across New England, Trailor says she has settled comfortably and quickly into the new job, though she will not be seeking the permanent position. She is expected to stay in Woonsocket until former Superintendent Robert Gerardi's replacement is found, a process which the committee hopes to have completed by September, though Committeewoman Linda Majewski has warned that the process could take longer.

"I have been briefed on many of the outstanding issues and on many of the pending issues and we have ambitiously set to work in dealing with them as they come to us," Trailor said. Issues Trailor will be facing with the five member committee include not only preparing for a school year with decreased staff and resources thanks to budget constraints, but also the state's fair funding formula.

Trailor attended her first meeting as part of the Woonsocket Education Department Wednesday night. Among the first votes the interim witnessed were approval of for Woonsocket High School (four to one with Majewski voting against the measure,) final passage of a policy (passed unananimously,) approval of for the new permanent superintendent (passed unanimously,) and the appointment of Karen Macbeth as the new principal for Harris Elementary (passed unanimously.) 

The 20 member committee that will choose Gerardi's permanent replacement, picked by Committeewoman Eleanor Nadeau and Majewski (as members of the subcommittee in charge of personnel,) has been notified of their selection. The list will reportedly be made public once all members are confirmed and the hiring process is underway.

Nadeau reported that 108 candidates have already applied for the position. Trailor, a former superintendent in districts including Lincoln; Sprague, CN; and Provincetown, MA has volunteered to use her considerable experience to help with the hiring process.