AMHERST — A new three-year contract for Superintendent Michael Morris could be approved on Monday by the Amherst-Pelham and Union 26 committees responsible for negotiating it.
Following three months of discussions in executive session with Morris, the committees this week announced they are ready to sign a contract that revises a deal that has been in effect from July 1, 2018 and expires June 30, 2021.
Terms of the arrangement will be released following the vote. The current contract, ratified Dec. 20, 2017, paid Morris a base salary of $153,600 from Nov. 28, 2017 to June 30, 2018, with a 1-percent cost-of-living increase July 1, 2018 and a 2-percent cost-of-living increase last July 1.
Acting Regional Committee Chairwoman Allison McDonald said at the Monday meeting that consistency is important for the district.
“We are grateful and fortunate to have that with you,” McDonald said.
She added that Morris has a willingness and desire to get input and opinions from everyone in the community.
Amherst representative Peter Demling said it could be challenging to find another leader as capable to work with the committees, families and community.
“To find someone who can work in this position for a number of years is difficult,” Demling said.
Morris said he would defer comments on the contract renewal until after a vote.
Anastasia Ordonez, also an Amherst representative, said the contract will speak to maintaining a high level of leadership, while Amherst representative Kerry Spitzer said she appreciates that under Morris the schools have transitioned from being reactive to proactive, observing the launch of the dual language program and completion of strategic plans.
“The idea of having consistent leadership for these initiatives is really important,” Spitzer said.
Morris’ collaboration with regional peers in Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury, and having a calm demeanor, are important to Margaet Stancer, a Pelham representative.
“The other thing I would say is his positive attitude and even enthusiasm in a very difficult job,” Stancer said.
Sarah Hall, also a Pelham representative, said that as a smaller community with a small school, her town is never treated as an afterthought.
Ronald Mannino, another Pelham representative, said he enthusiastically endorses a contract renewal.
“Approval of this contract will ensure that the schools are in good hands in the future,” Mannino said.
Leverett representative Kip Fonsh said Morris has gained respect, admiration and support of the entire community.
“That’s a hard thing to accomplish, but you’ve done it, Dr. Morris,” Fonsh said.
Those from the public who spoke also had praise.
Former School Committee member Katherine Appy said she appreciates Morris’ tenacity around getting back into the Massachusetts School Building Authority process so a new elementary school can become a reality.
“I think Dr. Morris has really led all the districts through some very challenging times – budget issues, academic things – and I think he’s done a really remarkable job,” Appy said.
Brian Scully, parent of a Fort River student, said he appreciates that Morris has brought together constituents to make a second chance for the school project, while Jonathan McCabe, parent of a Crocker Farm student, thanked Morris for his hard work.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
