Barre School Committee votes to screen internal superintendent candidates first

BARRE — January 11, 2018 — Barre School Committee advances internal superintendent screening over full open search. The committee voted January 11 to pursue a phased approach recommended by its search subcommittee, authorizing the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents — represented by consultant Tracy Novick — to screen internal candidates against a leadership profile drawn from more than 300 community survey responses and a series of focus groups. Novick's presentation identified budget management, long-term commitment to the district, and the ability to "tell the regional story" as the community's top priorities for the next superintendent. One member cautioned that the internal-first process could be perceived as predetermined, but the majority held that extensive public outreach had been conducted and that safeguards were in place. The committee also heard that a school renovation project came in under $80,000 against a $100,000 town appropriation, and received an update on plans to bring an OPEB trust fund vote before the full committee in February.