AMHERST — Amherst Regional school district now has a permanent superintendent, though he’s by no means new.
In a unanimous vote, the Union 26 and Regional school committees Tuesday evening appointed Michael Morris, who has been serving as interim superintendent since last August. The Union 26 committee — consisting of Amherst and Pelham school committee members — and the regional committee meet jointly concerning matters regarding the superintendent.
“I’m incredibly excited to be continuing in this district where I’ve been for 17 years,” Morris said after the vote, which he watched on Amherst Media before joining the school committee for regular business.
Morris has worked in the district since his early 20s, serving as an elementary school teacher, principal, director of evaluation and assessment, and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. He has a doctoral degree from Boston College.
The committees appointed Morris interim superintendent last fall following the departure of former school chief Maria Geryk, who was paid a $309,238 buyout after a tumultuous end to her tenure.
The district then began a nationwide search for a permanent superintendent, but stopped that search in March after discovering that the Iowa-based firm the district had hired had asked candidates questions about their history of arrests and offenses, questions that violated state statutes. At Tuesday’s meeting, the school committees approved an agreement with that firm, Ray and Associates, that will see the district reimbursed $10,000 of the $14,109 it had already paid.
It wasn’t long into Morris’ own term as interim superintendent that a contentious proposal to build two co-located elementary schools at the Wildwood Elementary site failed to garner enough support in a town referendum.
His backers, including members of the school committee, have praised him for his steady hand during those difficult periods. Some, however, have criticized him for his role in the failed Wildwood project, which they felt divided the town.
“Dr. Morris led the Wildwood Rebuilding Project from its beginning in 2014 and through all 4 votes, continuing to press the project long after any hope of political possibility,” read a letter to the school committee from a group of Amherst residents, many of whom previously campaigned against the Wildwood project.
The 32 residents who signed the letter said an open, national search would create a level playing field for underrepresented groups like women and candidates of color. That topic was taken up by several committee members during their deliberations Tuesday on Morris’ appointment.
Vira Douangmany Cage, who has chaired the district’s School Equity Task Force, said the decision to appoint Morris wouldn’t necessarily be popular with those looking for greater diversity in the leadership role. But ultimately, she said, Morris is the person for the job.
“I think that he does not shy away from being held accountable and taking responsibility,” she said of Morris.
Eric Nakajima, who chairs the regional committee, said that around three-quarters of the comments written into the committee about Morris had supported his appointment.
“What I was really struck by were the personal remembrances of how people knew Dr. Morris,” Nakajima said — a statement echoed by many on the committees, who said support for Morris was high in their communities.
The school committees will next enter into contract negotiations with Morris, who is currently on contract until June.
Douangmany Cage said school officials should be ready to listen to those who disagree with the decision.
“It’s tough right now for me to celebrate right now our unanimous vote and decision,” she said after the vote.
Congratulations were in order for Morris, however, as he walked into the room shortly after the vote. After briefly shaking hands and thanking people around the room, Morris read a brief statement.
“Thank you again to the School Committee for your confidence in me tonight as well as over the past 13 months,” he read in part. “I’m excited for the journey ahead that we will travel down, together, for the betterment of our students, families, staff, and community.”
And with that the regional school committee and new superintendent sat down and got back to ordinary business. The first item on the agenda: an update from the superintendent.
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.