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Southbridge committee confirms superintendent resignation; interim receiver to lead during phase 2
Summary
The School Committee discussed Superintendent Dr. Velar's resignation, the appointment of Mr. Metzger as interim receiver and plans to work with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) during phase 2 of the district's oversight process.
The chair announced that Dr. Velar will resign as superintendent effective at the end of the month and that Mr. Metzger has been appointed interim receiver. The chair asked committee members to meet with Mr. Metzger in the coming weeks to begin a cooperative working relationship.
Committee leadership said Dr. Velar's decision to seek a superintendent position in Connecticut began in January and was not made after a recent town-council vote of no confidence; the chair stated the timing shows the vote did not influence his decision to leave.
Members said they appreciated Dr. Velar's willingness to meet during his tenure and expressed a desire to have the same collaborative relationship with Mr. Metzger. The committee discussed upcoming training and policy work under DESE's phase 2 requirements and said additional trainings and materials will be provided to committee members by the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) and DESE staff.
No formal committee vote on the resignation or interim appointment occurred at the meeting; both were discussed as already decided and the committee focused on next steps and cooperation with the interim receiver and DESE oversight.
