Coolidge Middle School Principal Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching
Craig Martin replace Patty de Garavilla who will be retiring.
Superintendent John Doherty recently announced that Coolidge Middle School Principal Craig Martin will be the new Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching. Martin will replace Assistant Superintendent Patty de Garavilla.
Garavilla will retire at the end of the school year and Martin's new position will be effective on July 1.
According to a recent press release, Martin's new position will require him to work with the director of student services, behavioral health coordinator, building level administrators, and teachers "to successfully integrate the common core state standards, learning initiatives, and instructional practices for all students."
Martin has taught in Reading Public Schools since 1997, the release said. He started as an English teacher at Coolidge Middle School and became the principal in 2005.
"Mr. Martin has been a valuable member of the administrative team since 2004, when he became an Assistant Principal at Coolidge and then in 2005 when he became Coolidge Principal. He has been an educator in the district since 1997. He brings a variety of strengths to the position all which have a focus of doing what is in the best interest of students," Doherty said. "He is a very effective communicator and has a strong work ethic. He understands how to lead the implementation of programs and policies which will be a critical skill that is going to be needed as we continue to implement the Common Core State Standards, Educator Evaluation, and assessments to measure standards. He has been an active participant in district wide committees involving educator evaluation, Common Core, and assessments."
Among his many accomplishments, Martin was recognized by the Association for Middle Level Education in 2004 and presented the “Distinguished Educator Award.” In 2007, he was invited to present in China at an International Forum on Education.
He has actively made a difference in Reading's school district by participating in initiatives such as the Teacher Assessment Process (TAP), Behavioral Health Task Force and Common Core State Standard Implementation.
The school district is still in the process of hiring a new principal for the Coolidge Middle School.
SF
9:09 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
I may be wrong about this and if I am I will gladly stand corrected. But I was under the impression that administrative positions required going through a hiring process, advertising both in and out of the system and interviews with the school committee and the town? The principal of the high school had to go through this as well as the Director of Student Services. Why is the assistant superintendent an appointed position?
Charles
9:09 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
Congrats to Mr. Martin - it pays to be Dr. Doherty's boy. How come no search committee like every other job???????
M
9:25 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
Why is de Garavilla retiring so soon? Didn't she only start in the position in mid-2010 (previous to that she was Principal @ Joshua Eaton)? And others are absolutely correct, how come no public search, interview before school committee, etc? If I recall correctly, Ms. de Garavilla had to compete with others for the position at the time she sought it. I'm not knocking Mr. Martin, who I know nothing of--he may be the perfect candidate. But, I think that the Superintendent and/or School Committee owe the taxpayers an explanation for this process and rapid turnover in the position.
Karl Weld
12:32 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Nice pension bump though. 3 years at an Assistant Super salary as opposed to middle school principal.
Dave Miskinis
1:17 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Karl, his pension bump is taking money right out of your pocket...lint and all!!!
M
1:31 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
I guess Ms. de Garavilla gets the pension bump, too....back in 2010, this position was not an "appointed " position; there was a search that at one time had 47 applicants, ultimately narrowed down to 4 applicants who were questioned by the school committee at a meeting on March 29, 2010, See
http://www.edline.net/files/_ESKVt_/d9b2ea5b6ba7f8363745a49013852ec4/Minutes_3.29.10.pdf
Wonder why the process has changed so much, such that this very important position is subject to full appointment? I can see If it were an emergency & candidate needed right away,but why not have interim appointment and still have full search?
Karl Weld
1:58 pm on Monday, February 25, 2013
Dave & M,
I was referring to Ms. de Garavilla's pension bump. She was Parker's principal when she was promoted to this position. Now that she's got three years at this higher salary she decides to retire with the pension calculated on this higher salary. Interesting no? And Dave, I guess this will add to our $30+ million unfunded pension liability, of which additional operating budget funds are being allocated to fully fund, taking away from something else.
Dave Miskinis
9:29 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
Isn't it funny, an outstanding educator and administrator is promoted and we start out complaining about it. Congrats Craig Martin!
SF
9:49 am on Monday, February 25, 2013
I have nothing against Craig Martin, I am sure he is well qualified, but there are others out there who are as well and are not given the opportunity to apply for the job. I am concerned about why there is a process to go through for some administration positions but not for others, particularly this one, and where the line is drawn. His replacement will have to go through a hiring process, even if it is someone currently in the system. I just want to know why.
ReadingParent
12:05 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I agree with SF. Craig Martin is likely a well-qualified candidate, but, the School Committee Policy in place for selecting a new Assistant Superintendent was completely bypassed. Please see the following link (page 4):
http://www.edline.net/files/_7CIbw_/4ab4e9f84200d7b93745a49013852ec4/Policy_C_General_School_Administration.pdf
When Patty DeGaravilla was hired, there was a search committee comprised of Reading Educators, Administrators, Parents, Students, & School Committee members. I too would like to know why and when the process changed. I was unable to locate any details documented in School Committee Meeting Minutes indicating a change in the hiring process.
As parents of school age children & taxpayers, we have a right to know why this direct appointment has occurred. If after a search process, Craig Martin was ultimately hired, then we know he is the best candidate for the job. In the meantime, we are left to question if the School Committee is doing their elected jobs since they are the ones supposed to be vetting candidates.
kay regan
8:28 am on Thursday, February 28, 2013
best to you Craig, you will make a great assist. superintendent,