Schools Superintendent Edward Malvey told members of the Oxford Board of Education Tuesday he submitted his letter of resignation to them with a “heavy heart,” but family matters demand his attention at home.
Malvey has been on the job in Oxford for five months.
“‘I think you can appreciate life can change for all of us in a snap. A thing has changed in a snap in the Malvey household,” Malvey said at Tuesday’s school board meeting.
Malvey was hired in January. He was brought in after a tumultuous period in Oxford that several top school administrators leave the district — including former Superintendent Judith Palmer.
Prior to Malvey’s statements at the school board meeting Tuesday, some Oxford Democrats were accusing Republican school board chairwoman Rose McKinnon of forcing Malvey out the door.
School board member Lisa Hellauer said she believes Malvey was involved in a power struggle with McKinnon.
“They want someone who will just basically let them run the show and Rose McKinnon is the boss,” Hellauer said.
“I believe he disagreed with people and people did not like that so let’s get rid of him,” said Maura Satkowski, a member of the Oxford PTO. “I think there is more to it. I’m very upset our school district is in disarray again.”
At the meeting Tuesday, Democratic school board member Paul Guillet pointed out Malvey’s resignation had come on the day a school board subcommittee was scheduled to meet in a non-public meeting to discuss his job performance.
“I am very upset though because i think there’s very much more to this story here,” Guillet said.
McKinnon did not return calls or e‑mails seeking comment Monday or Tuesday. She did not comment on the accusations at Tuesday’s meeting.
Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, Malvey told the Valley Indy it would be unprofessional to respond to the statements being raised by local Democrats.
“I’m not going to be debating it,” he said of the speculation. “I have my reasons for going forward. I don’t want to be part of that discussion, it’s not appropriate for me. I made my decision and it came with a good deal of thought.”
He asked that his privacy be respected.
“I hope people respect my privacy. It’s been a tough call but it’s time to make sure I do things for the family,” Malvey said.
Republican school board member William Neary commended Malvey for putting his family first.
Malvey’s last day is Aug. 3.
