SPRINGFIELD – The search for a new school superintendent has become a hotbed of political controversy over the past two months.
A superintendent search is typically a staid process done the same way by nearly every district in the state. But in Springfield, some community members, including an activist group, Pioneer Valley Project, called for it to be conducted by an independent agency. Since then, they have argued the process lacks transparency and community input, is hopelessly flawed and should be restarted.
Others, including teachers, are urging the School Committee to move forward, saying five highly qualified candidates have applied and should have a chance to be interviewed. They argue a restart will not improve the candidate pool and the swirling controversy could scare some away because they don’t want to start a job under a political miasma.
