By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
NEWPORT, N.H. — In what was described as a “mix of gratitude and heartfelt emotion,” SAU 43 Superintendent Donna Magoon announced her resignation at the beginning of Thursday’s school board meeting, with her last day on June 30.
Magoon said the decision to step away was not taken lightly, and while she loves her role and responsibilities, she decided it was best to step away due to “the ongoing challenges of working with a board member of the school board.”
“I want to be very clear: this is not a statement of blame or conflict, but rather a recognition that in order to serve effectively as a superintendent, I must have the full support and collaboration of the board as a whole,” Magoon said. “I remain deeply respectful of the board in guiding this district and I hope that in time, the district will finally align what it needs to continue to move forward with strength and unity.”
Magoon said the relationships she built in the Newport School District are something she will carry with her the rest of her life.
“Together we face challenges, celebrated milestones and worked tirelessly to create a district that reflects the values and spirit of Newport,” she said. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and the direction we’ve moved in as a district.”
It has been a student’s first mentality, Magoon said, when it comes to strengthening educational outcomes and building a sense of belonging. She said she believes in Newport and its students, teachers, staff, and families who show up with passion and perseverance. Magoon said it has been an honor to serve the community, and she is grateful of what she has learned and been challenged by. She thanked Newport for allowing her to be a part of the town’s story.
“Over the years it has been my absolute privilege to serve the students, staff and families of this incredible community,” Magoon said. “I have truly enjoyed every moment watching our students grow, supporting our educators as they inspire and lead, and building connections with families who care so deeply about the success of their children.”
Former School Board Chair Kathryn Boutin followed Magoon at the podium, saying she is sorry to hear Magoon is leaving.
“You, the board, are going to have your work cut out for you,” Boutin said. “My message tonight is mostly a plea for transparency and that’s going to extend to a search for a new superintendent. I hope that you’ll be really clear with the community and I hope you’ll form a committee that involves community members; make that as open and transparent as possible.”
Later in the meeting, Board member Melissa Mitchler made a motion to create a Superintendent Search and Hiring Committee, which would be separate from the Superintendent Rubric Evaluation Development Committee that was already established at a recent board retreat. However, members can be on both committees, it was noted. Board member Keith Sayer said as a former member of a hiring committee, it is best to cap the total at nine members.
The district is looking for volunteers for the committees including parents, SAU employees, community members, teachers, support staff, administration, custodians and transportation members. For employees, they will be looking for both union and non-union workers. The focus is on creating committees of 13 people, which includes two board members, one parent, two administration members, one community member, two teachers, two support staff, two non-union employees and one high school student.
Sayer said it can be rewarding to be on these types of committees, as he was on one himself when the town was looking for a new town manager. Sayer and Board member Melissa Mitchler are heading the Superintendent Rubric Evaluation Development Committee, and Murphy said she would like to be on the hiring committee. Mitchler also said she would like to be on the hiring committee for continuity purposes.
Mitchler said at this point of the year it is her recommendation to advertise for an interim superintendent to start on July 1, and then in August the district can advertise for another one. Murphy said she has reached out to attorney Will Phillips to see what the next steps should be.
Magoon said the New Hampshire School Board Association will reach out to other states like Massachusetts and Connecticut, noting there will be quite a few superintendent searches in the region, referencing the Fall Mountain School District.
“I think the School Board Association is a great route and resource to go to,” Mitchler said. “When we talk about a hill to die on, hiring an interim this first time, that will be a hill to die on.”
Murphy explained that she would like the search and hiring committee to be advisory so this is not ongoing, and the district doesn’t move from interim to interim. She hopes after this, the district can start working together.
Magoon told the board that a lot of superintendents will not apply for an interim position because they are looking for more, and she recommended advertising the job as “interim/full-time.”
“If you get a good candidate, they’re probably not going to want to take an interim job for one year,” she said.
