New Business Manager
At the 4/5/10 SC meeting, "Dr. Burton recommended that he use a focused search model to replace our retiring Business Administrator. The School Committee consensus was to move forward with the focused search."
Seven days later, on April 12, Dr. Burton had apparently completed his "focused search" and introduced Geoff MacDonald, an acquaintance of his from Hopkinton to the School Committee. "Upon a motion duly made by Mr. Astley, seconded by Mrs. Cohen, the School Committee voted unanimously (4-0) to authorize Dr. Burton and Dr. Jurist to negotiate a final contract with Mr. MacDonald."
There are many questions buzzing around town about this….
• Why was Mr. MacDonald the only candidate that was interviewed or considered for this position?
• Why did no one on the School Committee suggest that a more exhaustive search was in order?
• Why has Mr. MacDonald, a new-hire, been offered the same salary that outgoing Business Manager, Joy Buhler is currently making - $128,957?
• Why did no one on the School Committee point out that this was an opportunity to reel the salary in considerably and find a solid financial professional for perhaps $30,000 - $40,000 less and put that money back into areas that would directly benefit our kids?
• The offer to Mr. MacDonald is 14.5% greater than his current salary of $113,378 in Hopkinton. While it seems logical that in order to woo a good candidate to leave their current position, why was it necessary to offer anyone this much money in this economy, where so many people are out of work, including presumably, financial professionals?
• Since there will be a review of the school administration’s budget and structure, which among other things, will look at consolidating certain functions with the town, why was a temporary person not hired until we can sort out what a revamped, streamlined school system might look like?