Consolidation Officially Over in Maintenance. EP Schools Hire Facilities Director. (Or did they?)

The East Providence School Committee essentially erased a budget commission edict that city and schools consolidate administrative services in overall maintenance and buildings and grounds management. Many in city and schools government said the consolidation wasn't working in either department's favor. Once city manager Paul Lemont announced that he was pulling back Ed Catelli to just city maintenance and facilities duties, instead of the combined city-schools job, the school committee advertised for a new director. At last Tuesday's meeting (March 24th) the committee approved Superintendent Kim Mercer's recommendation to hire city resident, William Reynolds in that capacity.

Although the committee approved the hiring on a 4-1 vote and all five members praised the qualifications of Reynolds, the appointment process was not smooth. "I just find it disheartening that the process (interview) was stacked with all city employees, from the city manager on down," said Ward 2 member Tony Ferreira. "Only one individual had the right background to be on the screening committee. My goal was to keep city and school aspects out of the process," Ferreira said. "I wanted more construction related experience involved. We did the best we could but we had no idea who sat on the committee (screening) we were blind. We were left out of the loop on the hiring of a very important job for this city," Ferreira said.

As Ferreira seemed increasingly agitated he received some support from other members. "I did make some phone calls to check on the (interview) process as is our duty. I was told that there was quite a pool of candidates," said at-large member Joel Monteiro. Newly hired William Reynolds was standing at the speaker's podium as the discussion ensued. "This is a credit to you (Reynolds) that you came to the top of the applicant pool," said Monteiro. "I feel good about the process, the way it came out."

As Ferreira continued to question the fact that the hiring process was too inclusive with city staff, Monteiro added some support. "I share the concern which is why I made phone calls to come to some level of comfort with the process. I definitely support Mr. Reynolds but we need to be more aware of who is on the committee. The screening committee should be aligned with the position," added Monteiro.

"I have serious issues with how this was kept under wraps from the top down. Going forward the city still has serious issues," said Ferreira.

"I do agree with these gentlemen (Ferreira and Monteiro)," interjected Ward 4 member Jessica Beauchaine. "I don't know as many people as Mr. Monteiro so I had no phone calls to make. I take the Superintendent's recommendation and respect her decision," Beauchaine said.

"I'm not done yet," said a fully engaged Ferreira. "Is it public information on what his salary is? I heard a rumor, this is how disgruntled I am," said Ferreira. "Two and a half hours ago I heard about a salary. It was a little high. I don't know if we can say it," he asked.

The committee was still in the process of voting on the appointment during this discussion. The vote was 4-1 to approve with Ferreira voting no on principle. "I have to oppose because of what I stated. Nothing personal, it's the way I feel," said Ferreira. Reynold's wide smile at the podium had turned more straight-faced by now as chairman Charles Tsonos said, "Welcome to the NFL," looking at Reynolds.

"Mr. Chairman, can we just announce what Bill's salary is now?" asked Ferreira. "We haven't ... we have to wait until Human Resources fills it all out. Then we'll announce it," responded Superintendent Mercer. That didn't sit well with Tony Ferreira. "You mean we just hired someone we don't know what we're paying him," said a stern and angry Ferreira. "Yeah, you do know what you're paying him. You gave me a range, Mr. Ferreira," Mercer quietly said, almost as an aside comment.

"To address Mr. Ferreira's concerns," asked Chairman Tsonos, "when will we know?" "As soon as we have it, you'll know," replied Mercer. "We offered him the job. Once he accepts it, it's official," said Monteiro. "But we don't know what the salary is," continued Ferreira. "It's what I told you before," said Mercer.

Reynolds has previously worked in a similar post at Johnson & Wales University. He may find the NFL a bit easier than dealing with some of East Providence's facility needs, etc.