RANGELEY – Union 37 school board Chairwoman Joanne Chapman said Wednesday that interim Superintendent Michael Buckley is welcome to apply for the permanent position if he chooses.
The board chose to post the position after an executive session in December to discuss Buckley’s evaluation. He has served as interim superintendent since last summer.
Buckley said Thursday he was surprised by his evaluation. He believed he’d done a much better job than the evaluation indicated and said he had no prior indication that there were any issues with his performance. He also felt it was difficult for the board to evaluate him after only six months on the job. He suggested they wait until March to make a final determination of his status. He said they agreed with the sentiment but felt it necessary to begin the search for a new superintendent anyway.
Chapman said she thinks he did fine.
“He had some strengths we haven’t had before,” she said.
Both Chapman and Buckley acknowledged the difficulties of running a little school, which has the same needs as a larger one but with fewer resources. Both listed finances, transportation, facilities and curriculum needs as key to the superintendent’s position. While a larger school might have additional positions to handle some of the minutia of running the school, the Rangeley school relies on the superintendent for it all.
“It’s just humongous,” Chapman said of the job. “It’s an unbelievable job made more difficult by state and federal government mandates,” she added.
She said the ideal candidate will have administrative experience, preferably from a small school district.
“I think we’re looking for the right person, the right fit,” she said.
Buckley has 28 years’ experience as a school administrator, most recently as assistant superintendent for SAD 3 in Unity and superintendent in the Champlain Islands in Vermont.
During his evaluation, Buckley learned that he needs to work more collaboratively with teachers and seek their input more.
Donald Salm, principal for kindergarten through grade eight and dean of the school, said he and Buckley worked well together. He said he was not involved with Buckley’s evaluation and has little contact with the union board. His position is responsible to the Rangeley school board.
“I just want to run a school,” he said.
Buckley said he will probably apply for the permanent position.
He waxed philosophical Thursday, saying that although he was disappointed with his evaluation, the process is not perfect.
“When you start a new job, there are bumps in the road,” he said. “I can certainly take criticism constructively. I don’t beat myself up about it. I just ask myself, what have you learned from this?'” he added.
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