Newport panel appoints interim superintendent to one-year contract amid criticism of hiring process

The Newport School Committee voted to appoint an interim superintendent and to approve a one-year contract for the candidate identified in the record as Mr. Sanchione (the transcript also alternately records the surname as “Sankey”). The motion was moved by the chair and seconded, as noted in the meeting, by Dr. Bauer.

A committee member announced they would vote no, saying their opposition was not personal but stemmed from concerns about the hiring process. “It was rushed. It was shortsighted and it was driven more by expediency than thoughtful planning,” the member said, adding the committee must “restore trust, transparency and accountability” and stabilize finances while protecting classroom quality.

Another committee member responded that the panel had considered issuing an RFP for a search firm but decided instead to seek an interim because the possibility of a regionalization measure on the ballot made the full-hire process uncertain. “This is a one-year contract,” that member said, and the committee intends to conduct a full search afterward.

The chair called the vote after brief discussion. Audible responses recorded in the room included an “Aye” and a “Nay”; the meeting transcript does not capture a full roll-call tally. The committee then moved to adjourn.

The meeting record notes the motion to appoint and the approval of the contract were taken together. Committee members also referenced that meeting materials and the contract are public records.