By JAMES MADDEN
This week, the Chariho School Committee appointed Carol Blanchette as the new Assistant Superintendent of the Chariho School District.
In giving thanks Blanchette said, “It’s an honor to be appointed as the Assistant Chariho Superintendent, and I’m looking forward to continue serving the community.”
At the time of her appointment, Blanchette was the acting Principal of the Chariho Middle School. She now replaces Philip Thornton, who held the position for two years and left last November to take on an administrative position with the Narragansett School District.
Blanchette’s contract is in effect starting Jan. 28, 2008 and extends to June 30, 2010. Her starting annual salary will be $113,568, the same as Thornton’s annual salary for 2007-2008. Her annual salary as Middle School Principal was $102,899.
Chariho School Supt. Barry Ricci said he was honored and pleased to recommend such a dedicated individual to the position of assistant superintendent.
According to Ricci, whether Blanchette’s contract will be the same as Thornton’s won’t be determined until after her first job performance review, in May.
Before Blanchette’s appointment, Thornton and Ricci each had concurrent three-year contracts with salary increases of two percent annually.
“I’m looking forward to January 28,” said Blanchette. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to stay connected with the students.” She described her new position as somewhat bittersweet considering her new duties might draw her away from students.
Blanchette has close to a decade worth of experience working for the Chariho School District – previously working five years as the Middle School Principal and before that four years as the Charlestown Elementary School Principal. From 1992 to 1995 she was a member of the Chariho School Committee and – originally from Seekonk – she and her husband have been Richmond residents since 1989.
“I know writing grants is something that’s very important for the school committee, so I’ll be looking forward to trying to bring more money into the school district through grant writing,” said Blanchette.
Thornton’s did a lot of grant writing for the district, and Ricci said Thornton would provide advice to Blanchette as she transitions into her new position.
Interviewing The search for a new Assistant Superintendent began last November when a subcommittee was formed to screen candidates.
The subcommittee consisted of the following members:
-Three members of the Chariho School Committee – Ron Preuhs Jr., Andrew McQuaide, and Deborah Jennings -A student and parent of the Chariho School District -Carrie J. Barr – President of the NEA Chariho support/personnel union -Pam Hawkins – President of the NEA Chariho teachers union -Kathy Perry – Chariho Director of Special Education -Beth Sinwell – Chariho Director of Career and Technology Center -Donna Fitts – Principal of the Charlestown Elementary School -Sue Rogers – Chariho Administrator of Human Resources
“I’m really quite excited about her being the next Assistant Superintendent,” said McQuaide. “The one thing that impressed me about Carol is that she’s been very dedicated to Chariho.”
The interview process took place during two meetings of the subcommittee – one in November and December. No minutes were taken during either of these two meetings.
After these two meetings, the subcommittee recommended two names to Ricci.
According to McQuaide, the subcommittee decided on two equally qualified candidates, so they recommended both.
“You don’t recommend two people without being comfortable about both candidates,” said McQuaide.
“They all had school district experience,” said Preuhs. “Most were principals or assistant principals in the past. Preuhs said he didn’t attend the November subcommittee meeting.
After receiving the recommendation from the subcommittee, Ricci recommended Blanchette to the school committee.
Neither McQuaide nor Preuhs could precisely say how many candidates applied for the job, but that there were no more than 10 applicants and no fewer than seven.
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