Shawsheen Tech approves new assistant principal for students in split 7-2 vote

BILLERICA -- April 26, 2022, Shawsheen Valley Tech School Committee elected new leadership and approved three administrative restructuring positions, including a new assistant principal for students, at its April 26 meeting. Ron Fusco was unanimously elected chair, Taryn Gillis vice chair, Cheryl Badaloni secretary, and Kent Moffitt treasurer. The committee voted 7-2 to eliminate a vacant in-school security monitor position and replace it with an assistant principal for students, a move outgoing Superintendent Director Dr. Brad Jackson argued was necessary because "the supervision of discipline needs to be under the direction of an administrator" and the school's approach to student behavior needed to move toward restorative practices; Superintendent Director-Elect Tony McIntosh co-signed the recommendation, citing comparable models at Greater Lawrence and Monty Tech. Two other positions, a director of school food services and a director of guidance, passed unanimously as part of the same budget-neutral $29,310 package. The committee also unanimously authorized Jackson to submit a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Authority citing overcrowding and obsolete facilities at its 100 Cook Street campus, with the submission deadline set for April 29.