WILMINGTON, MA — Wilmington Apple recently asked all six Wilmington School Committee candidates to describe their ideal superintendent candidate. Candidates were also asked to share their feelings about the School Committee’s handling of former Superintendent Mary DeLai’s resignation.
This week’s response schedule is as follows: Rhonda Musikar-Rosner (Monday), Amy Largenton (Tuesday), Sabrina Hewitt (Wednesday), Jennifer Bryson (Thursday), Steve Bjork (Friday), Kathleen O’Donoghue (Saturday), and a recap (Sunday).
Below is the response from candidate Amy Largenton.
Amy Largenton
QUESTION: One of the School Committee’s most important roles — arguably its most important — is hiring and evaluating the Superintendent. (1) Looking back, to address the elephant in the room, how do you feel the School Committee handled the resignation of former Superintendent Mary DeLai? (2) Looking forward, what qualities are you looking for in the next Superintendent? Describe your ideal candidate.
ANSWER: I recognize the committee was under a great deal of stress and were also limited to what type of information they could provide the public without conferring with appropriate counsel. I do, however, think it is very important to address the public and calm any fears. In this day and age where information is shared at lightning speed rumors and fear/anger can spread quickly. I think communication to the parents and public affected is critical. Even sharing that the committee is limited to what they can discuss would be better than silence. I am hopeful that a situation of that magnitude will never occur but in the event that it does, I hope to ensure a flow of appropriate communication to as deescalate the public concern as much as possible.
I would hope our new superintendent will have gone through the ranks as a classroom teacher, as a principal and as a previous superintendent. He/she will have the ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with teachers, parents and the School Committee. Fresh ideas, knowledge of the structure and flow of classes and schools and the ability to carry out regulations imposed by the School Committee are qualities I would be seeking.
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Wilmington Apple 
The School Committee seems to be out of control. Delai was hired having no previous superintendent experience. The School Committee paid her a salary as if she was a seasoned veteran of the position. This is another example of irresponsible spending. After entering into a settlement agreement, the Town (taxpayers) have to pay her bloated salary while she has a new job. We also have to pay for an interim superintendent. I remember being at a High School Building Committee meeting where she was all smiles leading the committee that voted to spend over $164,000 to construct two baseball dugouts. It is time for conservative oversight that has a commitment to excellence for the town.
I believe the School committee should be limited to entering into contracts for no longer than one year at a time. This should be contingent on the voters at Town Meeting approving the expenditure and approving who it goes to. We need to be able to hire the best and every hiree needs to know that she or he must perform well to remain employed. There is much to be said of a merit based hiring system and retention model. People being raked over the coals with high taxes should not have to pay for sending their children to private school to avoid a mediocre education. Let’s make Wilmington GREAT again!
Sincerely,
Kevin MacDonald