Durkin Picked as New Bedford Schools Chief
Attleboro's outgoing superintendent says she will take the job, pending a contract negotiation.
Pia Durkin will likely have a new job when she steps down as superintendent of the Attleboro school district at the end of June. She was appointed superintendent of the New Bedford school district Monday night, according to the Standard-Times.
The New Bedford School Committee voted 5-2 to hire Durkin, the newspaper reported. She said she would take the job, pending a contract negotiation.
"I really appreciate the school committee and the mayor giving me this opportunity," said Durkin, according to the newspaper. "I believe there's a deep commitment to change and I'm excited about doing it."
Durkin has headed the Attleboro school district for seven years. She never officially announced she was resigning, but also never publicly requested a negotiation with the school committee to extend her contract beyond 2012-13.
Attleboro's outgoing superintendent has plenty of local supporters and critics. Her supporters look to Attleboro High earning back its accreditation as well as improved test scores and graduation rates. Critics look to frequent staff turnover and Durkin's personality, which many people consider to be unfriendly. At times, she has clashed with some school committee members during meetings.
There are two finalists in the running to replace Durkin. They are Kenneth Sheehan, superintendent of schools in West Warwick, and Anthony Azar, a school district administrator in New Bedford.
Jerry Chase
9:38 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Good luck, New Bedford.
And, Pia, when the phone doesn't ring, you'll know it's us.
Chris Dickinson
9:57 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Jerry, as someone who wants to be an elected leader in our city, I don't understand the need to take a pot shot. The school committee made their feelings known that they were taking the district in a new direction.
Dr Durkin has continued to lead the schools while her replacement is found. Why can't you just be satisfied that the situation is being resolved peacefully, rather than stoking the flames?
Jerry Chase
10:51 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Chris, I don't know for sure whether you are referring to me or to yourself. Maybe you have a local political term or two coming up. I urge you to consider running. The City needs good people, people who care enough to serve. But, as for me, my career is over, largely because I no longer have the physical stamina to campaign. But no complaint over that fact.
Yes, I admit that my critique of her has been thought as harsh. Yet I never questioned her ability to achieve certain things. My opinion of her was and is based upon her personal abrasive style. which I happen to abhor. Maybe I was right; maybe I was wrong. But as we used to say as kids (and we seldom hear anymore),
"It's a free country." Peace. I wish no one ill, including Mrs. Durkin. Fair?
Rob Geddes
9:54 am on Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Congratulations, Dr. Durkin! Best of luck!