South Portland board authorizes interim superintendent search, permits negotiation of separation agreement with superintendent Matheny

The South Portland School Department Board voted to amend its agenda to include action on an interim superintendent search, voted to retain Maine School Management Association to assist with an interim search, and authorized the board chair and legal counsel to negotiate a potential separation agreement with Superintendent Matheny pending completion of a successful interim search. All actions passed unanimously.

Board members first moved to amend the agenda to add an item addressing the search for an interim superintendent. The amendment motion carried by unanimous vote. The board then discussed whether an interim should begin immediately for a short period or remain through the school year; several members said they preferred minimal leadership transitions and indicated an appetite for an interim who could provide consistency through the school year when appropriate.

The board voted to engage Maine School Management Association to conduct the interim superintendent search. The motion to retain the firm was moved by Miss Ratliff and seconded by Mister Dowling and carried unanimously.

Later in the meeting the board moved to authorize the board chair and legal counsel, pending a successful interim search, to negotiate a separation agreement with Superintendent Matheny. Miss Ratliff seconded that motion; the board approved it unanimously. Board members said the step was intended to allow the district to proceed promptly if a separation became necessary and to ensure the public would see any draft separation agreement once prepared.