WINSTED — Residents can participate in the Gilbert School’s search for a head of school, or headmaster, in a series of upcoming focus groups.
But for those who prefer it, the school also has issued an online survey about the search and it can be filled out anonymously.
“We encourage the community to be a part of this important process and look forward to incorporating the results of their participation into the Search Committee’s work,” said Steven Sedlack, Gilbert School Corp. chairman.
The search is ongoing as, when Superintendent Anthony Serio and Principal Sue Sojka retire from the Gilbert School in 2021, a change in the school’s leadership will likely begin. The Gilbert School Corp. board is pursuing the idea of hiring a headmaster, whose sole responsibility would be overseeing the students in seventh through twelfth grades.
Earlier this year, the Gilbert board authorized an ad hoc committee to study the merits of either sharing a superintendent with the town — or hiring a headmaster. The committee sent the board its completed report this month, and members discussed it this week during a regular meeting. The committee, made up of community members, a student representative and school administrators, recommended that Gilbert hire a headmaster for the 2021-22 school year.
The idea of hiring a head of school has been a source of conflict for Gilbert and the Winchester Board of Education. During budget discussions and contract negotiations in April and May, the Winchester school board indicated that they wanted Melony Brady-Shanley to be superintendent of the Gilbert School as well as Winchester Public Schools. That was not considered in the Gilbert ad hoc committee’s report.
But Gilbert is moving forward with its plan to find a headmaster. During the week of Dec. 14, CABE Search Services consultant Mary Broderick, working with the Gilbert Search Committee, will conduct a series of focus groups on Zoom to hear from the community on the qualities, experiences, and characteristics desired in a new leader, according to Gilbert’s website. “We encourage town officials, business leaders, teachers, administrators, other staff, parents, students, alumni, and community members to participate,” Gilbert School representatives said.
The school has also issued an anonymous survey, with a response deadline of Dec. 18, online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/GilbertSchool
“Feedback from the focus groups and surveys will be incorporated into a leadership profile that will guide the Search Committee in identifying high-quality candidates who best fit the needs of the Gilbert School. The Board expects to accept the profile at its Jan. 20 meeting,” Gilbert School representatives said.
Sessions start Dec. 14 with a focus group for Gilbert teachers at 3:30 p.m.; and a focus group for administrators at 4:30 p.m. followed by a focus group for town residents at 6 p.m. On Dec. 15, non-certified staff will meet at 2:30 p.m., followed by a parent focus group at 6 p.m.
On Dec. 16, focus groups begin with a student session at 6 p.m., followed by a group for international students at 7 p.m.
On Dec. 17, town business leaders are invited to a focus group at 2:30 p.m. A focus group for Gilbert School Trustees will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 17, followed by a group for elected town officials and staff at 7 p.m.
To receive a Zoom invitation, email Mary Broderick ([email protected].
