Bevere takes construction and criticism in stride

Sparta — Residents disappointed with the board of education’s handling of a major administration vacancy were vocal at the Monday, Aug. 27 board meeting. After the board and administration were dissatisfied with the applicants for new principal of Sparta High, they discussed whether appointing an acting principal from within the district would be the best way to go, according to Superintendent of Schools Dr. Thomas Morton. They decided that would be best and unanimously approved vice principal James Bevere, who took over as acting principal July 9. A number of residents questioned the choice during an open session, an unusual move, but one that Bevere said he had no problem with. Jennifer Dericks, appointed as a community member of the district’s staffing team, questioned the board’s choice of Bevere, citing his lack of experience as a principal and his lack of tenure in the district. Noting advertisements were posted for both the permanent position and an interim principal, Dericks wondered, “Why are we not looking for a qualified interim principal as was also advertised? I understand there is a pool of candidates for that just sitting there.” Another parent noted Bevere is known more as a disciplinarian than the “educational leader,” she expects from a high school principal. The problem that many parents have with the board’s decision, she added, is not with Bevere as an individual, but that he does not meet the qualifications the district asked for, including, “previous experience as a high school principal.” Sparta High School senior, Connor Boushell asked the board why Assistant Principal Kari Anne Scimanico was not chosen instead since she has more experience and has been at the high school longer. Board president Michael Schiavoni responded the board cannot comment on a personnel matter. Boushell also said that although no one dislikes Bevere, many students also see him primarily as a disciplinarian. Two high school teachers praised Bevere’s appointment. Science teacher Mark Worbitz said, “There are some qualifications more important than previous experience as a principal.” Worbitz said the continuity of knowing the building and the staff is an important quality Bevere will bring to the position. Special education teacher Gary Larson said, “Sparta High School’s staff supports Bevere and we are ready to move forward and get the year started and focus on the students’ education.” Schiavoni said in an interview Tuesday that Bevere has the full support of the board and he feels confident he will function successfully in the position. The district’s goal is to find a permanent principal by Jan. 1. Dericks asked if that goal is realistic since it will be difficult to find a worthy candidate who will leave his or her school mid-year. Morton agreed it would be unlikely to fill the position by then, but suggested a more aggressive advertising campaign. He said it is likely Bevere will serve as acting principal for the remainder of the year, but it may be possible to get a commitment from a suitable candidate by January or February. Morton suggested the district place ads in a number of professional administrator’s journals. Board member Dr. Michael Schill suggested Morton change the wording in the new ads from “previous high school principal experience required “ to “preferred,” noting Lio had middle school principal experience when he was hired four years ago. When asked about all the commotion over his new role as principal, Bevere was understanding, but unflappable. He said he is committed to “doing the best job I can do, until they take it away from me.” He said he would be crazy not to want the position permanently. “This is a phenomenal place,” Bevere said. “We have some of the best teachers in the state of New Jersey and incredible students. When these kids and these teachers finally get the new facility that meets their needs, they’re going to fly.” Bevere came to Sparta two years ago as an assistant principal. He has been a classroom teacher for twelve years at two competitive New Jersey high schools, as well as an administrator in a south Jersey school. He said he has written curricula, administered an alternative program for a former district, and has a variety of experience in many aspects of secondary education. He said he understands why he has been perceived primarily as a disciplinarian, because that was a large part of his role as assistant principal. “There are two types of administrators in a school,” he said, “instructional leaders and building managers. So far, people have only seen me as a building manager. I hope in the coming months that people will see I can be an instructional leader as well. ” Bevere said that because of the building project, he has focused the majority of his time this summer on preparing for the students’ return to a vastly different facility. He said, “I have to open a building that is safe. I truly believe our education will not miss a beat, but our students have to be in a safe environment to learn.” He stressed that he and the school staff have worked hard to prepare for the new school year and that all are ready to provide the best possible education for Sparta’s students. Board changed its procedures The process of hiring administrators was altered by the board more than a year ago when board members requested two board members be included in the candidate review process for key administrative positions. Morton is considered the chief staffing officer and is the one officially responsible, along with Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Development Dr. Kathleen Monks, for reviewing, interviewing and recommending district candidates to the board. Last spring, during the search for a principal to replace Michele Lind at Helen Morgan School, Morton suggested the district create a staffing committee to include two community members, two teachers, and two other district administrators to review resumes and to take part in the interview process. The board approved and the team was formed. When Richard Lio announced his resignation as the high school’s principal last spring, the district advertised the vacancy and received few applications. The staffing committee reviewed the resumes, deeming few candidates worth a follow-up interview. Of those none seemed to meet the qualifications. The district also advertised for an “interim” as well, and received a large response to that ad, but no one was interviewed.