Committee Chairwoman Maureen Gallagher added an element of suspense to the voting – before it began, she said she changed her mind after "some things came to light ..."
PALMER - The School Committee voted at its meeting Wednesday to appoint Business Manager Thomas Charko as interim superintendent, passing over Superintendent Gerald A. Fournier, who also wanted the job.
Gerald A. FournierThe vote was 3 to 2, with School Committee Chairwoman Maureen R. Gallagher, Vice-Chairman James L. St. Amand and Gary A. Blanchette voting for Charko, and members Robert S. Janasiewicz and David M. Lynch voting against him.
Gallagher added an element of suspense to the voting. Before it began, she said she changed her mind after "some things came to light today."
"It's a very difficult decision. I don't feel I've been kept abreast of some things or dealt with honestly ... so therefore I changed my way of thinking," Gallagher said, adding she "lost some sleep over it."
Gallagher did not say what the "things" that came to light were, but elaborated after the meeting. She said she was led to believe that it was Charko who demoted cafeteria worker Catherine R. Les last year, when it was actually the superintendent's doing. Gallagher would not reveal her source for the information.
Maureen GallagherAt the meeting's end, Fournier said he had "no idea" what Gallagher was referring to, and said he hoped that she would talk to him about it. Contacted later, he declined to address the Les situation.
"The School Committee sent a message to the community that they can get by with only one person who manages the finances, runs the school district and oversees curriculum," Fournier said.
Fournier's retirement was announced by the School Committee on April 15.
In late 2009, Fournier’s contract was extended by the School Committee until June 30, 2014, but no raises were included because of the district’s grim financial situation. Fournier, of Vernon, Conn., makes approximately $123,000. He started working in the district in January 2006.
Fournier said that he enjoyed his six years in Palmer and that he is proud of what has been accomplished academically. Now, he said, he will enjoy his retirement.
During the meeting, St. Amand said he felt Fournier should honor the rest of his three-year contract instead of retiring June 30 and returning to serve as an interim superintendent sporadically until the end of the year. Due to retirement restrictions, Fournier could not serve more than 52 days, and said he would work part-time, with some of the summer off.
"I'm not supportive of not working in July," St. Amand said.
Blanchette asked who would keep track of the part-time superintendent's hours, and said Charko would still need to pick up the slack on the days Fournier wasn't there.
Janasiewicz said keeping Fournier in the position would provide stability, as there have been numerous position changes in the district, including a new principal at Old Mill Pond Elementary School and new special education director.
Fournier told the committee that by keeping him on, he could continue his work on a number of programs. Fournier said he felt having a part-time superintendent would be effective.
Charko said he is familiar with procedures and policies, and said he would represent a savings to the district in the interim job, something that also appealed to Gallagher.
Charko's appointment is effective July 1. A salary increase was not discussed.
Janasiewicz and Lynch thanked Fournier for his service.
In other news, the School Committee restored a media specialist position slated for a budget cut. That means that Catherine Reed will continue to work as the school librarian at Converse Middle School and Old Mill Pond School next year, instead of moving to the high school to be a social studies teacher. Reed said she is happy she can remain a librarian.
Converse Middle School Principal David Stetkiewicz congratulated her afterward, and said she is knowledgeable and supportive of students and an asset to his school.