Public Meeting Agenda: July 18, 2023 at 6:30 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. Personnel

Speaker(s): Policy 9326

2.A. Assistant Principal, Ralph M. T. Johnson School - Appointment

Rationale: The Johnson School Committee recommended a finalist for the position of Assistant Principal at Johnson School. Dr. Brooks and I did the final interview and supported their recommended candidate.

Please see below the process and recommendation.

Johnson School Assistant Principal -Overview of the Interview Process
An in-person interview process that consisted of three rounds was conducted.

The Interview Committee Consisted of:

Core Committee: (Participated in all three rounds)
Michelle Rutledge, Director of Teaching and Learning
Alison Salerno, Principal of Johnson School
Erin Brown, Grades K-3 Literacy Instructional Coach
Melissa Dube, Grade 5 ELA Teacher
Laura Massey, Grade 3 Special Education Teacher
Kit Nielson, K-8 STEM Instructional Coach
Heather Farisello, Grades 4-8 Mathematics Instructional Coach

Additional Johnson Staff Members that participated in Round One
Theresa Schrader, Johnson School Fourth grade Math/ ScienceTeacher
Sam Celio, Johnson School Fifth grade Math/Science Teacher
Auguste Sacshe Skidd, Johnson School Fifth grade ELA Teacher
Jill Claridge, Johnson School Mathematics Specialist
Mike Tonucci, District BCBA
Nicole Benston, Johnson School Fourth grade ELA Teacher
Jeff Moscowitz, Johnson School Third Grade Teacher
Greg Reid, Johnson School Fourth grade ELA Teacher
Lea Guglielmo, Johnson School Fifth grade ELA Teacher

Johnson School Parent Representatives
Melissa Bertsch (Round Three)
Merle Jackson (Round Three)
Cassie Stevenson (Round Three)

The process included:

76 candidates formally submitted applications for the positions when we started the review process.
Applications were reviewed by Mrs. Rutledge and Dr. Salerno. There was a focus on finding candidates that displayed:
- A strong literacy background
- Experience developing systems to address social/emotional learning
- Leadership experience

11 Candidates were brought forward for round 1 screening interviews with the Core Committee and additional staff members from Johnson School.
- Candidates included 2 internal and 9 external candidates
- Screening interviews-Round 1 Interview Questions

5 candidates progressed to Round 2
- During Round 2, candidates participated in a performance task, a simulation of a planning conference with a teacher as well as additional Round 2 interview questions focused on exploring candidates’ instructional knowledge and knowledge and skills pertaining to supervision and evaluation.

3 candidates progressed to Round 3
- Round three included three parents representing all three grade levels
- Round 3 interview questions were focused on communication, culture, and handling disciplinary situations.

We are recommending Michele Walsh as the final candidate.

Mrs. Walsh’s colleagues and supervisors overwhelmingly indicated that she is an exceptional leader.

Themes that were shared with the team included:

Strong knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and experience with technology integration
Experience in providing teachers with targeted and effective feedback on instructional practices
Exemplary communication skills and highly collaborative
Strong rapport with staff, students, and families It was noted that she has an incredible ability to build relationships with anyone.

Rigorous expectations of herself and everyone around her
Reflective and analytical practitioner
A LEARNER! If she does not know something, she will read about it and research it to understand it.
Always hungry for feedback and used the feedback to grow herself.
Experience in the district as a grade three and five teacher as well as experience as an instructional coach.

Attachments: (1)

Michele Walsh Resume

3. Adjourn

July 18, 2023 at 6:30 PM - Bethel Board of Education Special Meeting

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