Seekonk Superintendent Receives High Marks

Seekonk Superintendent of Schools Madeline Meyer received high marks on her annual school committee evaluation. The evaluation consists of nine different categories which are each rated on a 1 to 4 scale by the five members of the committee. A score of 4 is exemplary and 1 is unsatisfactory.

Meyer received mainly positive scores and comments, with an average score above 3 in each of the nine categories.

Committee member David Abbot said Meyer’s first year was a “banner year,” but “The second year revealed some areas of improvement, particularly in areas regarding informing the school committee and some personnel matters.”

Meyer was especially praised in the areas of community and public relations, particular in her work with students and families following the death of a high school student earlier this year.

However, her communication with the committee itself had some mixed reviews. David Quinn said she has an “open door policy” and added, “Even we disagree, she is not disagreeable.” Members John Bilodeau and David Abbott said Meyer needs to do better job of keeping the committee informed.

Quinn also praised her for management of the budget, maintaining school buildings and managing student services, all of which were done on a limited budget.

“Despite continued budget cuts, the superintendent and staff do a tremendous job in minimizing the impact on students,” said Quinn. Bilodeau was impressed with her work on a limited budget in the area of special education programs in the district, particular following a visit to these programs with the other committee members last Thursday. However, the committee generally would like to see steps taken to limit the fluctuation of the cost of these special education programs.

Some criticism focused on Meyer’s management of some personnel issues. Bilodeau said there needs to be more accountability for teachers, and Abbot said there were instances where she avoided conflict when dealing with certain personnel issues.

“There are different ways of holding people accountable,” said Meyer.

Prior to the discussion of the actual evaluation, committee member Fran Creamer expressed her disappointment that a copy of the evaluation had been leaked to the public by one of the school committee members. The evaluations were to be confidential until the public hearing, and Creamer called it a breach of good faith.

“It is not acceptable and it is damaging to the relationship with the school committee,” Meyer said.

Superintent Scores

• School Committee Relations: 3.2
• Community and Public Relations: 3.7
• School and Personal Management: 3.0
• Budget and Fiscal Management: 3.2
• Facilities management: 3.15
• Instructional and Curriculum Management: 3.3
• Management of Student Services: 3.1
• Comprehensive planning: 3.25
• Professional and personal growth and management: 3.3