Citing the need to focus on academics, six Waterville Central School District residents asked the WCS Board of Education to reopen the search for a new superintendent.
They attended last week’s Board of Education meeting, which came five days after Joe Muller, assistant superintendent of business in the Whitesboro district, met with the community as the lone finalist candidate. Waterville will need a new superintendent as of July 1 when Chuck Chafee retires.
Muller’s professional experience is in safety and business, not on the classroom side. He has taken the required certification to become a superintendent.
Muller, who acknowledged at the forum he has never taught nor hired a teacher, said he would make safety a priority over academics. Those who spoke all said they disagreed because academics need to be the district’s top priority.
David Poyer read a statement from his wife, Jessica, who is an administrator for curriculum in the Oneida City School District. They have two children who attend WCS.
Jessica Poyer’s statement said one of the three main roles board members have is to hire and evaluate a superintendent. Poyer questioned how the notice was given to potential candidates, saying with just five people who applied, the search was not wide-spread or well publicized.
“How many eligible administrators did not see it,’’ her statement asked.
Poyer, and others who saw the advertisement, pointed out the board asked for 10 criteria to be met and Muller did not hit all the requirements. “The ad says the candidate will have these things,’’ Sue Jones said. “Maybe more candidates would have applied if it said the candidate should have these things.’’
Dave Poyer said the students do not have time to wait…