The Harvard School Committee and Dr. Joseph Connelly have agreed on the terms of Connelly’s contract as interim superintendent for 2011-2012. The parties expect to sign the contract Monday, May 2.
In a letter dated April 13, the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) approved the School Committee’s request for a “critical shortage” waiver to hire Connelly. The waiver allowed the School Committee and Connelly to exceed the normal salary limitations for a retired educator who is also receiving a pension.
School Committee Chairman Keith Cheveralls stated that Connelly will come to Harvard to sign the contract during an executive session of the committee, immediately after which the agreement will be announced in an open session.
Cheveralls described Connelly as being very enthusiastic about taking the position in Harvard. “And my sense is, from talking to committee members, everybody here is totally energized and excited,” he said.
Connelly’s official starting date in Harvard will be July 1, as soon as his current contract with the Gloucester School District expires.
