By Ashley M. Casey
Staff Writer
Baldwinsville Central School District Superintendent Dr. David Hamilton has resigned, effective Monday, April 4.
The board of education voted to accept Hamilton’s resignation at its April 4 meeting. Deputy Superintendent Matthew McDonald has been appointed acting superintendent, a position he held after the 2014 retirement of the late Jeanne Dangle.
“After much thought and careful consideration, the board and superintendent have made the difficult decision to move forward separately,” BOE President Victor Jenkins read from a statement. “The board determined that the district should move in a different direction with respect to instructional leadership.”
Jenkins thanked Hamilton for his “contributions to the district,” including the $32 million bus garage capital project, “development of a district-wide collaborative culture, and renewed commitment to long-term strategic planning.” Hamilton, who previously was superintendent of the Penn Yan Central School District, began at B’ville July 1, 2014. His contract was a three-year agreement set to expire in 2017.
Jenkins cited “philosophical differences” between Hamilton and the BOE for the superintendent’s swift exit. He said the decision was made “over the last few days.”
“This is amicable,” he said. “That was the mutual choice.”
McDonald’s appointment as acting superintendent is effective April 5, 2016, through June 30, 2017. McDonald began as an assistant principal at Durgee Junior High School in 2007, became assistant superintendent of human resources in 2009 and was named deputy superintendent in 2014.
“I’m honored to help out and work through this transition period to find a new superintendent,” McDonald said. “We have a tremendous team. I am confident that we are going to move forward. We’re going to work with all our different constituents and get the job done together.”
McDonald said he, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services Jamie Rodems and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Joe DeBarbieri will release information about their goals for the district soon.
McDonald told the Messenger that his immediate goal is to regroup with the BOE to prioritize short-term goals for the rest of the school year and reassess for the 2016-17 school year. Ultimately, McDonald will aid the BOE in its search for a permanent superintendent.
“My goal is to get the team together again,” he said.
McDonald said he wants to listen to the district’s constituents and improve the lines of communication.
“There’s no secrets,” he said.
McDonald said he did not know whether he would throw his hat in the ring for the permanent job.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do,” McDonald said. “My brain has got too much going on.”
Rodems said he is optimistic about the transition.
“It’s going to be a lot of work for the rest of us, but I’m an optimist,” he said. “Work forward; don’t think about the past.”
While Hamilton did not attend Monday’s BOE meeting, his wife, Kelley, read a statement during the public comment period.
“Over the last few months there [has] been a lot of negative talk about the changes in the school district. Much of the discussion, in my opinion, has not been respectful or even civil,” Mrs. Hamilton said. “Since moving here two years ago, I’ve been struck by how open and welcoming everyone has been. I hear from teachers, staff and community members on a daily basis how happy they’ve been with the direction of the district. The smiles, handshakes and compliments abound. If only those people would share their positive thoughts at the monthly board meetings.”
Mrs. Hamilton urged community members to stay involved in the goings-on of the district and elect candidates to the BOE who have the best interest of the district’s children in mind.
“Too easily disgruntled community members with their own agendas can get elected and change the positive direction in a school district in an instant,” Mrs. Hamilton said.
Hamilton’s separation agreement
As part of his separation agreement with the district, departing B’ville Superintendent Dr. David Hamilton will receive the following, minus state and federal income tax and other withholdings:
• $13,469.20 per month on April 29, May 27 and June 23
• $14,591.67 per month between July 1 and Dec. 31
• $8,390.17 in unused vacation days
• COBRA medical and dental coverage for the Hamilton family until June 30, 2017
• A letter of reference to future employers detailing Hamilton’s accomplishments, dates of employment and salary
If Hamilton has not found another job by next year, the district will pay him $14,591.67 per month between Jan. 1, 2017, and June 30, 2017. If he does find employment, that amount will be “reduced by the amount otherwise earned by Dr. Hamilton.”
