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Ruth Epstein

The Region One All Board Chair Committee is considering how to search for Region 1’s next assistant superintendent. The group, which comprises the chairmen of the region’s seven school boards or their alternates, will work with the Region 1 Board of Education to set up the parameters of the search. Region 1 Superintendent Patricia Chamberlain is retiring at the end of June and Assistant Superintendent Pamela Vogel, who came on board in July 2015, will replace her. Chamberlain told the ABC members last week that the two boards can decide on what structure to employ for the search, which Vogel will lead. David Bayersdorfer, the Salisbury alternate, asked how a search committee is determined. Downs said the two boards have served as the committee in some cases, and there have been larger groups for other searches in the region. Moore said the higher the position, the more confidentiality becomes an issue. That’s when Falls Village alternate Patricia A. Mechare, who is also that town’s first selectman, said confidentiality should not be used as an argument to limit the number of members on the search committee. “It’s always worked out pretty well because there’s been inclusivity in the process,” Mechare said. “We’ve never had a problem with confidentiality. I think that’s sort of an excuse. Sometimes people have ideas that you don’t think about. It’s good for a different point of view.” Bayersdorfer said he favored the use of focus groups because it gives board members a chance to hear from their constituents. “We’re all elected, so obviously we have to listen to the public.”
Chamberlain said a decision on the position should be made no later than April 1