Medford School Committee OKs interim superintendent’s participation in teacher contract talks after conflict disclosure

Medford, Mass. — The Medford School Committee on Jan. 29 voted to allow Interim Superintendent Dr. Glusick to participate in collective bargaining with the Medford Teachers Association after she disclosed that her spouse is a Medford High School physical education teacher.

The committee approved language provided by its attorney finding that Dr. Glusick’s financial interest in the contract is “not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the school committee may expect from the superintendent,” and approving her participation pursuant to General Law, Chapter 268A, Section 19(b). The language was read aloud from an email the committee received from Attorney Greenspan.

Dr. Glusick opened the discussion by disclosing the relationship to the committee: “my spouse, husband is a Medford High School physical education teacher,” and said she sought the committee’s determination so she could participate in the negotiations. A committee member read the attorney-drafted motion on the record before the committee voted.

Members said the statute contains a safety valve permitting participation when recusals would prevent the governing body from functioning. Several members emphasized that the superintendent is not a contract holder and therefore would not have the authority to vote to approve the final agreement. Committee members also said Attorney Greenspan advised that similar determinations have been made in prior superintendent situations.

The committee conducted a roll-call vote. Members Brantley, Graham, Tapa, Olapade, Rainville and Russo each answered yes; Mayor Lundville Kern was absent. The motion was approved.

The committee’s reader noted that Dr. Glusick will file the required disclosure paperwork with the clerk as described in the attorney’s guidance. The special meeting then adjourned.