Hatfield School Committee approves superintendent's evaluation, tables contract ratification

HATFIELD -- July 18, 2022, Hatfield School Committee unanimously approved Superintendent Michael Wood's annual evaluation and advanced a series of handbook and curriculum changes toward August votes. Chair Christy Boudreau led the July 18 session, at which Wood received a state-rated "proficient" performance summary covering a year in which he hired two principals, conducted simultaneous contract negotiations, and secured one of the district's largest recent budget increases; the committee's one formal growth area was a request for a district-wide communications plan. Wood also disclosed that incoming technology director Ben Snyder had been recruited away by managed-IT vendor Siser IT at compensation the district could not match, leaving the district to choose between contracting with the firm on a per-pupil basis or conducting a new search. The committee selected the i-Ready math series for grades K-8 with professional development beginning before the school year opens, and agreed to form a subcommittee to rebuild the district improvement plan with broader community input. Current enrollment stands at approximately 373 students, with preschool reported at full capacity at 30 children.