Trustees clash over hiring process for new superintendent

During a recent school board meeting, trustees voted to approve Pasquale Cusmano as the new assistant superintendent of secondary and adult education. The discussion surrounding this appointment highlighted concerns regarding the hiring process and the role of board members in reviewing candidate resumes.

Trustee Blake raised a question about the appropriateness of board members examining resumes, suggesting that such practices could deter candidates from applying if their information was widely shared. In response, former assistant superintendent for human resources, Mr. Russo, emphasized that sharing names and resumes could harm candidates' reputations and discourage future applications. He noted that it is standard practice to redact names to protect applicants' privacy.

Trustee Weaver further questioned whether the release of candidate names could constitute a violation of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Russo indicated uncertainty about the legal implications, stressing the importance of following proper procedures when handling sensitive information.

Trustee Lacuey defended the board's right to access hiring information, arguing that understanding the selection process is essential for making informed decisions on appointments. However, the board president ruled that the discussion was not directly relevant to the motion at hand.

Ultimately, the board voted in favor of Cusmano's appointment, with Trustee Lacuey abstaining due to concerns about the lack of information provided. The meeting then proceeded to consider the appointment of Kimberly Hampton as assistant superintendent of early childhood and elementary education, with trustees expressing the significance of this role in implementing a new reading program aligned with the district's strategic plan.