Tiverton School Committee interviews superintendent finalist Dr. Michael Whaley

The Tiverton School Committee convened on June 4, 2025, to conduct interviews for the position of superintendent, featuring Dr. Michael Whaley as the first finalist. The meeting was led by Chair Diane Farnworth, who outlined the evening's agenda and emphasized the importance of maintaining a respectful environment during the presentations.

Farnworth explained that the committee received 24 applications, from which seven candidates were interviewed by a screening committee. The three finalists were invited to present their qualifications and plans to the Tiverton community. Dr. Whaley, currently the assistant superintendent at West Warwick Public Schools, introduced himself, highlighting his extensive experience in education, including roles as a principal and academic advisor.

The interview process was structured to ensure fairness, with each candidate given a three-minute introduction followed by a 15-minute presentation of their 90-day entry plan. Committee members were allotted five minutes each to pose questions, with no follow-up questions permitted to maintain consistency across candidate interviews.

Dr. Whaley expressed his enthusiasm for the position, noting his familiarity with the Tiverton School District and his belief that his skills would complement the existing team. He emphasized his diverse experiences in education over the past 23 years, which he believes would enable him to effectively lead the district.

The meeting proceeded with Dr. Whaley's presentation, which was designed to provide insights into his vision for the Tiverton schools. The committee members listened attentively, preparing to evaluate his responses and overall fit for the superintendent role.

As the meeting concluded, the committee planned to continue the interview process with the remaining finalists in the coming days, aiming to make a decision that would shape the future leadership of the Tiverton School District.