Dear Everyone Learning @ Amherst, Regional, and Pelham Schools:
I realize that this weekly email has been dominated by budget information. That is one reason I provided the update on many of the districts-wide committees' topics and progress last week. However, I did not include one update that I know is of keen interest to many readers of this list--the Middle School principal search process. (We are actually in the midst of two district position selection processes: Middle School Principal and Director of Facilities and Operations.)
Earlier in the year, I met with members of the Parent Council as well as the faculty and staff to gain insights on what characteristics were desired for a new principal. Having spent many years as a middle school principal, as well as observing the progress of our middle school and gaining insights from parents and others in the past three years, I have a sense of the match that we seek for Amherst Regional Middle School. In addition, the search process allows opportunities for people to provide additional input into those expectations as well as a chance to meet the finalists.
After reviewing submitted applications, a screening committee comprised of faculty, staff, administrators, and parents narrowed the group to five candidates who could potentially be a match for our middle school. This group will also serve as one of several interview groups.
This week, the screening committee has interviews scheduled with the five candidates. That process includes an interview with the screening committee, an interview with a group of administrators and district staff, an interview with me, and a writing session.
At that point, anywhere from five to no candidates will be brought forward to the next stage, which includes an interview with students, an interview with district staff, a question/answer meeting with faculty and staff, a question/answer evening session with parents and community members, and an interview with me. This day also provides the candidates an opportunity to visit the school and see it in operation. Reference checks begin at this stage, as well.
Once the stages above are completed, a finalist will be selected and a site visit will be made to his or her current school. CORI (criminal reference) and other security reference checks will be made, but they cannot occur until the position is offered.
If we do not have a finalist who appears to be the right match, I will appoint an interim principal and open the search again.
I hope to have this process completed by late April.
I will keep you informed of the dates for the public evening forum with candidates. Those dates cannot be scheduled too far in advance since they are often dictated by the availability of candidates due to travel and/or their current obligations.
As always, thank you for your interest in our schools and for your support for our children.
Jere Hochman
Superintendent