Public Meeting Agenda: June 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Special Meeting

1. Call to Order

Speaker(s): Policy 9326

1.A. Roll Call for Quorum

1.B. Pledge of Allegiance

2. Reports to the Board

2.A. Personnel

Speaker(s): Policy 9326

2.A.1. Principal, Bethel Middle School - Appointment

Rationale:

As you are aware, we screened and interviewed candidates for the Principal's position at Bethel Middle School. We are presenting Mr. Nicholas DaPonte, whom Dr. Brooks and I are recommending to the full Board of Education as Principal of Bethel Middle School. The process included:

Screening of 40 applicants.
Initial Screening Interviews: Candidates were asked to respond to 10 questions. Candidates were assessed on the depth of knowledge on topics, effective communication and experiences.
Performance Task: Role playing feedback to a teacher based on a 6th grade mathematics lesson. Candidates were assessed on their knowledge of high quality instructional pedagogy, communication skills, rapport development and their ability to "coach" teachers.
Response to scenarios developed collaboratively by teachers and administrators to a groups of staff and parents (separately). Candidates were provided the scenarios in advance. Candidates were assessed on ability to effectively address the problems presented, communication skills and professional presence.
Reference check.

Over 20 from Bethel Middle School teachers participated in the process. I opened it up to all staff and included every staff member who wanted to be part of the process. In addition, 6 parents participated in the focus groups. Lastly, Dr. Brooks, Mrs. Rutledge, Mr. Troetti, Mr. Watson and Mrs. Budris participated in all rounds.

Through out each round, Mr. DaPonte was the top choice of all of the groups. The following qualities distinguished his candidacy:

His deep knowledge of curriculum and instruction. This was evident in his detailed responses to all questions or scenarios posed.
He is a thoughtful, strategic thinker who has a clear vision (aligned to BPS) of what an effective middle school models should be to ensure our students are college and/or career ready.
His current district (although behind us in some ways) are in the process of implementing many of the same initiatives we are in Bethel. As a result, his experiences would lend to an easy transition (i.e., standards based grading, SRBI, 1:1, etc.)
He demonstrated strong skills in providing teachers effective feedback on instructional practices in a coaching and supportive manner.
His professional presence and orientation to detail.
His ability to quickly develop rapport with staff.
His references confirmed that he has a positive relationship with students, staff and parents.

The committee(s) unanimously could not recommend another candidate to move forward to the Board of Education.

3. Adjourn

June 2, 2016 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Special Meeting

Web Viewer