School Superintendent Thomas Jefferson reported to the School Committee that he expects to have hired an interim principal for the Hildreth Elementary School (HES) by July 12, the committee’s next regularly scheduled meeting.

While emphasizing that he had no input into the search for the interim principal, committee Chairman Keith Cheveralls noted that policy requires the committee to “review and approve” the terms of a principal’s contract before it is presented to the applicant, primarily with regard to salary and benefits. He also asked whether the contract would differ, depending on whether an internal or an external candidate was selected. “I would not be at all surprised if there are some internal candidates that have expressed an interest,” Cheveralls said.

Jefferson responded that the contract might differ significantly, depending on the applicant’s background. He asked the committee for guidance on a salary range, but got only the general response that the interim salary should not exceed what is already in the budget. “It’s not uncommon,” Jefferson said, “that an interim would come in at less than the maximum budget.” Jefferson also noted that hiring from within would create something of a “domino effect,” as the school would then need to fill the slot being vacated.

Committee member Piali De remarked that it might be preferable to find a retired person, which would be a considerable saving, but noted, “we are seeking quality, not just cost saving.”

Members Virginia Justicz and Kirsten Wright agreed that no specific motion on salary range was necessary, while Patricia Wenger said she did not have enough expertise in this area to offer guidance.

Hearing that Jefferson expected to have concluded a contract before the next meeting, Cheveralls asked, “What would happen if we said no, we don’t like that?” Jefferson replied, “If I brought a strong candidate, and the terms of agreement were within the framework you’ve given me, I would …”

“You’d be shocked if we said no?” Cheveralls interrupted.

“I would want to poll the committee on how we could go forward from there,” Jefferson replied. “Stranger things have happened in the history of school committees and appointments.”

The committee agreed by consensus, but without a vote, that Jefferson had enough information to proceed.

“Choose wisely,” Cheveralls remarked. “I know you will—especially with the roomful of people we have here tonight,” he concluded somewhat cryptically.