At the Wednesday, June 22 Board of Education meeting, both residents and board members addressed a rumor circulating through town about the superintendent’s contract.
Residents flooded public comments with praise for Superintendent Richard Perry at the Thursday, June 22 Board of Education meeting held in the Haddonfield Middle School library due to referendum construction at the high school. The speakers discussed a “rumor” circulating throughout town the board was planning to let Perry go, and several became emotional as they discussed the impact Perry has had not only on the schools but on their children.
Board President Adam Sangillo offered his thanks to residents for coming out to voice their concerns and offered some context on how the miscommunication about Perry’s future may have started circulating.
“To some extent, I want to dispel some rumors,” Sangillo said.
He said, on an annual basis, the board is tasked with performing a review of the superintendent in which it provides him feedback. Sangillo said he thought the reason many residents came out Thursday night was because Perry has a four-year contract that will come to an end in June 2018.
Prior to opening the floor to public comments, Perry addressed the board. He said he has worked in the school district for seven years, and he hopes to be given the opportunity to continue to lead Haddonfield schools.
“I’m not saying I did everything right all the time, and I’m not saying I make everybody happy all the time — that’s impossible, especially with my job,” Perry said. “But, I try hard and I think I’ve done a good job.”
Perry’s brother and Haddonfield resident Michael Perry stood up in support of his brother. He said he knows firsthand the countless hours his brother has worked and the passion he has for the schools.
“The fact that this board is considering letting him go just boggles my mind,” Michael Perry said.
Resident Stuart Harting, chair of the Haddonfield Outdoor Sculpture Trust, took to the mic to talk about the art initiatives that Perry has collaborated with him on. He said most people don’t see all the work Perry does behind the scenes, but his work ethic and approachability are assets to the schools.
“He’s a leader,” Harting said passionately.
Resident Kelly Gambino said she moved to Haddonfield specifically for the school district. Gambino teared up as she said when one of her children was having trouble no one would do anything to help her until she finally went to the superintendent.
“He was the only one who helped me,” Gambino said. “He was the only one who listened to my concerns, and he was fair.”
Jon Batchelor of American Legion Post №38 said he would suggest the board look at the body of work Perry has done because finding someone who can accomplish all that Perry has is going to be hard.
“So my question to the board is: What are you looking for?” Batchelor said.
Sangillo said, by law, all employment matters have to be conducted in private. He thanked residents for coming to give their feedback, which the board considers “invaluable.” He said although the board cannot talk about employment matters in public, he wanted to publicly discuss Perry’s passion, dedication and good work at the schools.
“Rich clearly loves the students individually and collectively and has great heart,” Sangillo said.
Perry thanked those who came out in support of him, and he said he truly enjoys the work he does. He said he’s honored to have made an impact during his time in Haddonfield schools.
“However long I stay in Haddonfield, I’ll always carry all of your gifts to me or friendships or collegiality; it’s really truly special in my heart,” Perry said. “I can’t thank you enough everyone who came out here.”
