School committee ratifies contract for Dr. Barbara Starkey to serve as interim superintendent

The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District school committee ratified the contract for Dr. Barbara Starkey to serve as interim superintendent and authorized the chair and vice chair to sign the agreement on behalf of the committee.

Committee members said the contract was discussed in executive session and then brought back for ratification in open session where the committee conducted a roll-call vote. Several members answered yes when called; the committee recorded the ratification and directed the chair and vice chair to execute the contract.

Why it matters: The appointment establishes leadership continuity for the district; the contract includes an initial interim period with continuation contingent on a summative evaluation, according to the language presented to the committee.

Details: The administration reported that the contract provides for Dr. Barbara Starkey to begin as interim superintendent effective April 1 and that the agreement includes a provision to continue in the role pending a summative evaluation. The committee then moved to ratify the contract and to authorize signatures by the chair and vice chair.

Vote: The committee took a roll-call vote. Committee members recorded voting yes: John Burke; Jen Blum; Bob Clark; Steve Silious; Caroline Hernandez; Courtney Brightman; Crystal Ingram. The motion carried and the committee authorized signature by the chair and vice chair.

Next steps: District leaders will finalize and sign the contract and begin implementing the transition and any onboarding tasks related to the interim appointment.