Oxford School Superintendent Edward Malvey told the Valley Indy he will leave the school district Aug. 3 to deal with a “combination of personal and family” issues.
“It was a real tough call,” Malvey said. “Family comes first.”
Malvey will leave the school district after less than a year on the job. He was hired in January with a contract that was to last 2.5 years.
His resignation letter to the Board of Education reads:
“It is with deep regret that I inform you that I am resigning my position of Superintendent of Oxford Public Schools to be effective in 90 days on 8/3/11.
This decision is made due to personal family matters which need my undivided attention and energy.
I am proud to have served the Oxford School Community and wish much success to you and the district.”
The letter is dated May 5. A copy of the letter is posted at the end of this story.
Malvey’s resignation letter was dated the same day the school board’s finance subcommittee was scheduled to meet in executive session to discuss Malvey’s performance as superintendent. Executive sessions are closed to the public.
“I have no comment on that … this was a personal decision, I’ve struggled with it for some time,” Malvey said. “This was not a fleeting moment, and I thought it was appropriate to come forward now rather than go into another month or go into the summer.”
Malvey’s resignation is listed as an agenda item of Tuesday’s school board meeting, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. A copy of the agenda is posted below.
Malvey was hired by the school district following a tumultuous time period between former Superintendent Judith Palmer and the majority of members of the school board.
Calls for comment were left with school board members Michael Macchio, William Neary and board chairwoman Rose McKinnon.
Ted Oczkowski declined comment.
John Lavin, the board’s secretary, said he was surprised by the news, but declined any other comment until the resignation was announced publicly at a meeting Tuesday.
School board member Paula Guillet said she wants more information.
“I’m very upset,” Guillet said Monday evening. “I’m shocked. And I find it hard to believe that there’s not more to this.”
Malvey’s base salary was $140,000.
He’s a veteran educator, with with more than 26 years in central office positions, including oversight of numerous curriculum, reorganizations and large school construction projects at various New England public schools.
Malvey promised to help Oxford transition to new leadership.
“We have a great staff and the administrators are true colleagues,” Malvey said. “This was was a wonderful place, it has true potential,” he said of Oxford.
