Personnel Committee

Interview Panel

Monday, November 17, 2008

PATHS, Room 250

5:00 – 6:00

In attendance:  Paula Murphy, Heather Washburn, Kathleen Casasa, Derek Pierce,

Kathy Buxton, Abraham Peck, Ethan Strimling, Herb Hopkins,

Armand Dorazio, Gretchen Berg, Steve Rogers, Joan Gildart,

Regina Phillips, Khadija Guled, Margaret Hazlett,,

                        Joline Hart, David Ruff and Sarah Thompson

Absent:  David Mata, Anita LaChance and Kathryn Toppan

 

Introduced Justin Costa, new school committee member representing District 4.

 

I.                   Questions on binder contents since last meeting?

a.      No questions

 

II.                Update on where School Committee is to date with search

 

III.             Interviews

a.      Interviews whole vs. small groups;  1st round with whole group, second rounds smaller groups.  Discussion:

                                                               i.      Should only a few people ask questions, or each panel member ask a different question? If limited to only few asking questions, should be the same people at each interview.  (five for)(one against)

                                                             ii.      How is it to be interviewed by large group?

                                                            iii.      Clarifying and/or follow up questions – ok for panel members to ask (‘can you expand’ or ‘can you clarify’?)?  How can this work?  Rely on Joline for legalities of questions; concern that it could get too much for candidate.   Possibly limit follow up to only those asking questions.

                                                           iv.      How to handle questions to committee during interview questioning?

                                                             v.      Can panel see all interview packets in morning rather than just 15 minutes before each interview? 

                                                           vi.      Concern about limited of time of each interview.  Difficult to really get to know person.  Time restriction is important to move process along.

                                                          vii.      Could panel have opportunity to change rating after group dialogue? (five for)

                                                        viii.      Can there be name cards?

                                                           ix.      Can interview questions be provided to candidates during interview?

                                                             x.      Do the applicants know who the interview panel members are? 

1.      Names of panel members are listed on website.

2.      We will type list of panel members and what their relation is to PPS.  Will provide to each candidate.

Personnel Committee Interview Pane    Page Two                             November 17, 2008

 

b.      Interview questions submitted will be reviewed by School Committee on 12/3 for final list.

c.      Conflicts of interest:  If anyone feels there is a conflict of interest, panel members can recuse themselves from interview.  Is there a legality around this or can they still participate? 

                                                              i.      No legal issues, but panel member should excuse themselves if it poses major conflict.  Also, if excused from one – you must be excused from entire process.

 

IV.              Questions – Next Steps