There should be some discussion with the principals. Principals were barred from unions under the Education Reform Act of 1993. The same state law allows school boards to set policy, though only superintendents may negotiate contracts with principals. Albano's proposal would set up an evaluation process using test-score improvements, yearly goals, professional development, programs for parent involvement and enforcement of the student discipline code. School Committee Vice Chairman Kenneth E. Shea said he will support the policy, but with one additional criterion.
Principals directly supervise custodians, and it's an ongoing problem.
Members Jose F. Tosado and Marjorie J. Hurst said they would like to study the proposal, but both support the idea of performance-based evaluations and raises. I had no idea those raises were given out. Thomas M. Ashe said he has heard complaints about the recent raises, and he himself did not understand the rationale behind them. It would have been better if the raises had been given by someone who was not on his way out the door. Ashe supports Albano's plan.