The Cumberland School Committee voted 5–2 on Nov. 13 to approve an extension to Superintendent Thornton’s contract after a motion by Ms. Feather and a second from Ms. Shea.

The vote followed objections from Mr. Dean, who urged the committee to delay a contract extension until pending litigation naming Superintendent Thornton is resolved. “I just think this is a little too soon considering that there is a lawsuit that names Superintendent Thornton for retaliation,” Mr. Dean said during discussion, and he urged the committee to wait and reassess closer to the contract’s expiration date.

Ms. Feather moved to approve the proposed contract; Ms. Shea seconded. The motion carried with five votes in favor and two opposed. The record identifies Mr. Bacon and Mr. Dean as the two negative votes; the transcript does not list the names of the five affirmative voters.

Nut graf: The decision finalizes the superintendent’s contract extension now rather than later, despite an objection from at least one member citing legal proceedings involving the superintendent. The outcome means Thornton’s current contract will be extended as approved by the committee and no additional formal action on the contract was recorded during the meeting.

Discussion and context: Mr. Dean referenced two items on the town website and minutes from an earlier meeting that he said relate to alleged First and Fourth Amendment violations and retaliation; he recommended the committee evaluate communication improvements and monitor the status of litigation before considering renewal closer to the contract’s expiration. The transcript does not include a detailed explanation from outside counsel or staff about the lawsuits’ status or whether they affect Thornton’s employment terms.

What the record shows and does not: The meeting transcript records Mr. Dean’s objection and the committee’s 5–2 vote but does not document any formal finding or staff recommendation tied to the litigation. No legal authority, settlement, or court ruling appeared in the public portion of the record, and the transcript does not specify whether the identified suits are resolved or ongoing.