To the Editor,
I would like to address misinformation surrounding the Newport School Committee’s decision to hire an interim superintendent for Newport Public Schools.
Our current superintendent is retiring at the end of next month, and the School Committee has a responsibility to ensure there is qualified leadership in place without interruption. The decision to pursue an interim superintendent is based on one important reality: at this time, there is still uncertainty regarding whether school regionalization will appear on the ballot this November.
The School Committee publicly posted the interim superintendent position on School Spring and received applications and resumes from interested candidates. Committee members reviewed the applications, and each member identified their top candidates. Our Human Resources team then compiled and scored the rankings, and the top candidates will be interviewed before an interim superintendent is selected.
Until the Newport and Middletown councils make their respective decisions on whether to place regionalization before the voters, we simply do not have clarity on the long-term structure of the district. Under those circumstances, it would be extremely difficult to recruit a permanent superintendent candidate and ask that person to relocate themselves and their family here without being able to assure them that the position will still exist in nine months or a year.
This is not a reflection on Newport Public Schools, but rather a practical and responsible acknowledgment of the current uncertainty. Any highly qualified superintendent candidate would understandably want stability before making such a significant professional and personal commitment.
If regionalization does not move forward to the ballot, the School Committee can promptly begin the process of hiring a long-term superintendent in accordance with established policy and procedure. If it does appear on the ballot, then that process would appropriately take place after voters have had their say in November.
In the meantime, the district cannot operate with a vacancy in the superintendent’s office. The interim superintendent selected will be qualified and capable of leading the district during this transitional period. Should that individual wish to pursue the permanent position in the future, they would be welcome to apply and participate in the same public hiring process as any other candidate.
The School Committee’s priority is, and always will be, providing stable and effective leadership for the students, staff, and families of Newport Public Schools while making responsible decisions during a period of uncertainty.
Sincerely,
James Dring
Chair, Newport School Committee
