New Britain board approves two assistant principals, personnel report and superintendent contract

The New Britain Board of Education on Nov. 3 approved the personnel transaction report that included two assistant principal appointments, the superintendent's contract and multiple consent items at its regular meeting.

Board President Barbara Marino opened the meeting and the board conducted a roll call before considering personnel items. Superintendent Dr. Sanders presented two finalists for assistant principal openings and asked them to introduce themselves to the board.

Tasha Bernadelle, identified by the superintendent as the candidate for the Chamberlain Elementary School assistant principalship, told the board, "And, I am truly honored and grateful to be here to, join this wonderful community." She corrected an earlier description of her skills, saying she is still learning American Sign Language.

Salvador Escobales, the other finalist introduced to the board, described returning to serve in the district and said, "It's really an honor and a pleasure to be here." Board members spoke in support of both candidates and thanked them for their willingness to serve.

The board moved and approved the personnel transaction report, including the two appointments, by voice vote with no opposition recorded. The meeting record shows board members responded "aye" and no abstentions were announced.

Votes at a glance

- Approval of minutes (Oct. 6 regular meeting): approved by voice vote; no oppositions recorded. - Personnel transaction report (includes appointment of Tasha Bernadelle as assistant principal at Chamberlain Elementary School; Salvador Escobales appointed as assistant principal — school not specified in the record): approved by voice vote; no oppositions recorded. - Mid-position requests for after-school club advisors (items D and E), supported by SIG grant funding: both approved by voice vote; no oppositions recorded. - Superintendent's contract: approved by voice vote; no oppositions recorded. - Consent agenda (donations, purchase orders, course approval, other routine items): approved by voice vote; no oppositions recorded.

Board members offered personal remarks about the candidates' ties to the community and their qualifications before the votes. Dr. Sanders noted a competitive hiring process, saying the district received about 100 applicants for each of the two openings and that staff, parents and students participated in the interviews.

The board scheduled a special organizational meeting for Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. after the election results are finalized. The meeting adjourned following approval of the consent agenda.