The Oxford Board of Education has approved hiring an interim business manager at $600 a day.
The district needed to replace Al Pullo, who resigned last month amidst the controversy surrounding the superintendent’s contract being voided.
The board Wednesday voted to allow Superintendent Judith Palmer to hire Arthur Poole on a part-time basis during the summer.
Poole — a retired Board of Education finance manager for various districts in Connecticut — has experience with the Oxford Board of Education: He was the interim business manager from November 2003 until February 2004.
Palmer said Poole has helped the district out other times in the past.
“I’m looking for a quick turnaround here,” Palmer told the Board of Education Wednesday. “I’m hoping he can get us through the summer at three days a week. If I find it’s not adequate, I’ll come back to the board and let you know.”
The Resignation
Pullo told the Valley Indy last month he resigned because felt he was being pushed out.
He said he saw the “writing on the wall,” in January when he and Palmer prepared the budget and then were excused from attending any budget session meetings.
Since then, the Board of Education has voided Palmer’s contract, and tried to change the way her review was completed.
Pullo also said last month he learned his contract was also under review.
Pullo’s last day was June 30, and he said he took a job with the Woodbridge school system in a similar position for the upcoming school year.
The New Guy
Palmer said Poole would not budge on the figure of $600 a day.
He had also asked for an additional $250 for each night meeting he would be required to attend, but Palmer said he has agreed to waive that extra fee.
The cost to employ Poole part-time is roughly the same as Pullo was making for his full-time salary.
Poole has experience as the business manager or director of finance for education boards in Vernon, Region 12, Winchester, Bloomfield, Windham, Brookfield and Windsor Locks, according to his resume.
He is currently retired, Palmer said.
Next Step
The district will start reviewing applications for the position this month, Palmer said.
“We haven’t started the interviewing process,” Palmer said. “We have 10 applications at central office right now that we need to take a look at.”
Board of Education Chair woman Rose McKinnon said she wanted members of the board’s administrative and finance subcommittees, along with central office employees, to interview the candidates.
She also suggested extending the search beyond Connecticut.
