CHESHIRE - The Adams-Cheshire Regional School District committee plans to ink a two-and-a-half-year contract with Superintendent candidate Kristen Gordon at the upcoming Monday meeting.
Committee Chairman Paul Butler said Gordon, who is principal at C.T. Plunkett Elementary School, "has a natural tendency to positive leadership" and has shown promise since she began studying under Superintendent Alfred Skrocki earlier this year.
"We've had the opportunity to witness [Gordon] on the job in various capacities, in negotiations with district groups and working on Race to the Top, and we had over an hour-long interview with her just the other night," Butler said Wednesday.
"The committee was unanimously in favor of appointing her. It's likely to take place Monday night."
The decision to begin Gordon's training under Skrocki was made in March, while the district's larger, nationwide search for a replacement continued. Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) assisted in the search, but it's no secret that qualified candidates are few and far between.
"The pool of candidates available has not improved from what it was when we initially began the search," Butler said. "[MASC's] recommendation is certainly if you have a qualified candidate, appoint them and see how it goes over the course of a contract."
Butler said negotiations between the district and Gordon are forthcoming, but the salary will be in the $100,000 to
Gordon, who's served as principal for seven years, said that in addition to working with Skrocki, she's gone through this year's budget line-by- line with district treasurer David Hinkell and participated in negotiations with paraprofessionals of late.
"I'm really very honored, obviously," Gordon said Wednesday. "It's a great school district, and taking the position will be a privilege, especially with a brand new school opening. It's a very exciting time."
Major items coming up on the district's agenda include the institution of more stringent teacher evaluations, including professional sessions scheduled for September, and working on a strategic plan to keep students within the district.
"Throughout my career, I've had the real pleasure of serving the district in many different roles and was involved in pre-K through 12 in one way or another," Gordon said. "I'm excited to get back to that whole wide spectrum."
Gordon believes she has a "strong background" of experience to bring in filling Skrocki's shoes.
Skrocki, who has been superintendent for 14 years, will retire in October.
"[Gordon] seems very strong in communications with staff, as well as parents, and she feels very much at ease with the school committee," Butler said. "I think that's going to extend toward her dealings with the budget and town officials."
To reach Phil Demers, email pdemers@thetranscript.com.
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