Blackstone-Millville committee deadlocks on candidate, votes to post interim superintendent

The Blackstone‑Millville Regional School Committee failed to approve entering negotiations with Dr. Paul Haughey after a 4–4 roll-call vote, then voted 5–3 to end the expedited permanent search and post a one‑year interim superintendent position.

The chair opened the meeting and allowed a public forum in which Ed Casting, a member of the Blackstone Board of Selectmen, told the committee that “Blackstone outshines” other districts and urged the committee to weigh the district’s existing strengths. Jenny Chen‑Ramka, a middle school principal, said the district needs a superintendent who “will be visible, student‑centered, and committed to accountability.”

Why it matters: the committee is required to have a superintendent in place by early July, and members and the MASC consultant discussed legal timing, waiver rules for retirees and options for appointing an interim while conducting a fuller search. The committee’s decision to post an interim is a stopgap to ensure leadership continuity while the search resumes on a regular calendar.

Committee deliberations split along priorities. Several members who supported Dr. Paul Haughey cited his financial and MSBA (Massachusetts School Building Authority) experience and prior success guiding a building project in Spencer‑East Brookfield. Other members said Haughey emphasized finance and facilities rather than instructional leadership tailored to Blackstone‑Millville’s current curriculum and coaching work. One member summarized that BMR “is not in the position that Spencer‑East Brookfield was in when he arrived there” and questioned whether Haughey had clearly addressed day‑to‑day instructional leadership.

A motion to “enter into negotiations with Dr. Haughey to become the next superintendent of Blackstone Millville Regional School District” was made by Aaron and seconded by Chuck. The chair called a roll‑call vote that resulted in a 4–4 tie and the motion failed.

After the failed motion, Tracy Novick of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees briefed the board on practical constraints: a superintendent must be in place by early July, retirees often require department waivers that trigger a two‑week posting requirement, and postings that aim to hire immediately can narrow the applicant pool. Committee members debated whether to seek a retiree (which could require a waiver and a longer posting) or appoint someone currently employed who holds the appropriate licensure.

Jane moved to end the permanent search and post for a one‑year interim superintendent; Tara seconded. The committee adopted the interim‑posting motion by voice vote, recorded as 5–3 in favor. Members agreed to post the interim opening promptly, aim for a short application window and hold a special meeting to review materials. The committee scheduled a public meeting for June 24 at 7:00 p.m. (hybrid/Zoom) to review applications and deliberate.

What the motions mean: the failed motion would have begun contract negotiations with a single candidate; its failure leaves the district without a negotiated hire. The adopted interim posting begins a separate, shorter process intended to produce an acting or interim superintendent who can assume responsibilities while the committee conducts a broader search on the usual hiring calendar.

The committee’s next steps include posting the interim vacancy (committee members discussed a 5‑day to 10‑day posting window depending on waiver concerns), collecting applications and meeting on June 24 to review candidates. The meeting adjourned after scheduling that follow‑up session.

Sources: meeting transcript and on‑record statements by committee members, public commenters and MASC consultant Tracy Novick.