Search Could Start Soon for New Superintendent

Superintendent Pia Durkin has not said publicly whether she plans to remain in the Attleboro school district after her contract expires next year, but it appears the school committee may have made that decision for her. School Committee Vice Chair Brenda Furtado said in a brief statement just before the conclusion of Monday's meeting that the majority of the governing body had recently voted to create a superintendent search committee.

Furtado said School Committee Chair Mike Tyler would be in touch with the teachers union, school committee members and community stakeholders this summer about forming the search group.

Durkin quickly walked out of the room after Furtado made the statement.

Tyler told the media after the meeting that the vote had taken place about six weeks ago, but he declined to discuss the decision further because he said it was made during an executive session.

Durkin has recently been in conflict with some school committee members about her future at the district. Last month, School Committee member Teri Enegren said she had interpreted an action by Durkin during a contract negotiation as meaning . Enegren proposed a search committee be formed to find a replacement for 2012-13, but she was unable to get a majority of the school committee to support her.

Durkin told Enegren her interpretation was not accurate.