Board of Education Approves Change In Administrative Titles

Reflecting a similar vote held four months ago, the Board of Education voted 4-3 in favor of changing the titles of three administrative positions on Thursday.

The decision changes the title of administrative aide to the assistant to manager, executive support services; the facilities manager to chief of operations; and the hardware technology/project manager to chief information officer. The name changes are slightly different from those originally proposed. In November, the suggested title changes would have renamed the administrative aide as chief of staff and the facilities manager as chief facilities operator.

The November vote on title changes failed 3-4, with several members of the public speaking against it due to significant salary increases purported to accompany them. Superintendent Nicholas Fischer said at the time that the proposal intended to reflect the long hours worked by administrative staff as well as numerous responsibilities delegated to them.

Secretary Jason Catala said Thursday that he would support the motion provided it did not include salary increases in the near future. Board members Barbara Major, Bill Morse, and Ronna Stuller were opposed to the motion.

In January, the board approved job descriptions for the three positions, each of which requires between five and 10 years of work experience. The descriptions were passed 6-1 with Stuller opposed.