21 July, 2011
Two final candidates in the principal search for Center School were introduced to a small group of parents, residents and teachers on Tuesday, July 19, during a public forum.
After introductions from Superintendent Jonathan Landman, Dr. Christopher Kennedy took the floor to present his opening statement. Kennedy began by addressing head on the reason for his resignation as principal at Nyatt Elementary School in Barrrington, Rhode Island due to a testing mistake and said he has learned from his error and that he didn't think the incident affected his other experience. In Barrington, he was named Rhode Island Principal of the Year in 2010, and a National Distinguished Principal.
Questions for Kennedy ranged from what types of informal assessments he favored for students to what did he think he could do to help to improve working conditions in an old building.
Kennedy acknowledged the building's age and pointed out the asbestos floor tiles in the cafeteria, but said that regardless of the physical plant, the kids are happy at Center School and that's what's important.
The second finalist, Yeu Keu, is currently the principal at the John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Randolph and has worked with Superintendent Landman.
"She worked for me in the Randolph Public school system, " said Landman, but he assured that crowd that he had not pushed her candidacy forward. "I would never want to influence a process like this."
While she has only served as principal in Randolph for one year, she is looking for a more supportive work environment in Hopkinton.
Keu answereed questions from parents and teachers, saying she believed in hard work and was passionate about kids.
At the end of the session, the group was asked to fill out feedback forms for each candidate. Superintendent Landman said he plans to review the comments and make his decision shortly.
