School Board Approves Three Employment Contracts

Despite objections from within the board and the public, the school board voted 5-2 to extend the superintendent's contract by one year, the maximum allowable by state law, during Monday night's meeting. 

Education board members Brian Shirvell, Jen Sim, Bob Peruzzotti, Chaz Zezulka and Patricia Doyle approved the extension, while Beverly Washington and Rita Volkmann opposed the extension. Board members Elizabeth Gianacoplos and Kirsten Hoyt were not present.

Washington took issue with Kadri's interpersonal and communication skills and what she called a "top-down management style." Volkmann did not comment on her vote. 

And, during time allotted for public comments, Groton resident Kevin Trejo said to board members, "you have lost the trust of the community, the  teachers, the staff," and, "right now the board and the superintendent are not in connection with the community." 

But, after the meeting, Kadri said the evaluation process brought to light some areas where communication can be improved and modified. He said "we emerged more cohesive" of himself and most board members. 

"We talked a lot about how the board and I can work better together to help us be more effective in sharing the vision with the community," he said.  

Superintendent of Schools Paul Kadri's contract was extended to 2014 with no provisions for a salary increase or change to benefits although Kadri, along with many other administrators in the central office, have not received a raise in two years, he said. 

Contracts Negotiated

The school board unanimously approved a new contract with the Groton School Custodian and Maintenance Association and Computer Technicians.

The new three-year contract has a zero percent pay increase and no step advancement in the first year, the second year allows a one percent salary increase but no step movement, and the third year allows a 2.2 percent pay raise and one step advancement. 

Volkmann added that longevity pay is being phased out and the district will pay for safety glasses every two years for up to $100 dollars.  

"I think this was a wonderful contract," she said. "The negations were a little lumpy at first but overall it was extremely successful." 

New Position Filled

The employment contract for a Principal Analyst and Grants Investigator was also approved and Amy Semerjian begins work today with an annual salary of $90,000. 

Groton resident Andrew Parella disapproved of the salary, after the board adjourned its meeting Monday night. 

"It's outrageous to hire someone at that amount," he said, citing the local economy was a reason to hold back on expenditures. "Now is not the time to add to the layer (of costs)."

Education board Chairman Brian Shirvell said that the position will be filled by someone with a doctorate degree and, he said, "it's not an entry level position."

Kadri said Semerjian's salary isn't far above what Groton's highest paid teachers make and that her salary is "on the low end of what she and her peers would expect to be paid."

Kadri said the position will focus on statistical analysis of student performance and will assist in identifying where resources should be directed.

The analysis-based approach will also help the district qualify for competitive grants, he said and without the position filled, the district staff is only able to keep up with paperwork for entitlement grants.