Superintendent’s job under debate

Meeting agenda includes ‘possible actions’ on Maloney’s performance

CROMWELL — The Board of Education is scheduled to meet early Tuesday to discuss the employment of Superintendent of Schools John T. Maloney.

Maloney was elevated to the superintendent’s position in April 2017, following the retirement of Paula M. Talty. Prior to that, he was assistant superintendent, and before that, principal of Cromwell High School.

The board has scheduled a special meeting for 7:30 a.m. at Town Hall to discuss “the performance and employment” of Maloney. The agenda also includes “possible actions” regarding Maloney’s performance and employment.

What’s more, the board has also scheduled a “discussion concerning the appointment of an interim superintendent” and possible action regarding such an appointment.

In a email Sunday, Board of Education chairman Michael J. Camilleri said: “John is an active employee of the district, and the Board of Ed has taken no action that would impact that status.”

Maloney has been a popular figure in both the school community and town at large. The posting of the agenda has provoked a swirl of rumor and surmise, much of which played out on social media platforms. But so far, Board of Education officials have remained silent about what prompted the unusual early morning session of the board.

As comments on social media grew, Camilleri posted a statement on Facebook that he said he hoped would clarify the matter. He began by saying he was aware of the many “questions and concerns” that had arisen over the special meeting and its subject matter.

While board members “value transparency and openness in how we operate …personnel matters often require a much greater degree of confidentiality, which, unfortunately, may lead to speculation and conclusions that are not in line with what is really happening,” Camilleri said.

“I am sorry that we are not at liberty to share additional information at this time. I am focused on making sure all personnel matters are handled expeditiously, fairly and justly,” Camilleri wrote.

While Tuesday morning’s meeting is a public meeting, Camilleri said, “I anticipate that most of the discussion will take place in executive session, meaning that the public is not allowed to attend those portions of the meeting.”

“Any votes on specific actions will be taken in public session as required — and not in executive session. However, there will be no opportunity for public comments during any portion of the 7:30 a.m. meeting,” he said.

The meeting was scheduled at such an early hour because “we believe strongly in the need to handle all personnel matters as expeditiously as possible,” Camilleri said. It is being held at Town Hall, because the board’s regular meeting space is the high school library/media center, and the school “is in session at that hour.”

There is also a regularly scheduled board meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the library. Unlike the special meeting, this “does include an opportunity for public comment on any topic (including topics not on the agenda),” Camilleri said.

“Given some of the comments and feedback Board of Ed members have received, I think it’s important to let you know that, if you have any comments you would like to share about our superintendent of schools or any other topic, please feel free to share them during the public comment portion” of that meeting, Camilleri wrote on Facebook.

Comments or questions emailed to the Board of Education in care of Camilleri at mikecamilleri13@gmail.com will be read during the session.

In separate email Sunday afternoon, Camilleri would not comment on why the board would consider retaining an interim superintendent when it already has Assistant Superintendent Krista Karch on staff.