Marblehead Charter School to assess interim head

MARBLEHEAD – Trustees of the Marblehead Community Charter Public School are taking a look at Interim Academic Director Nina Cullen-Hamzeh’s record this year.In a special meeting at the school Monday morning the trustees approved an evaluation survey they will use in Cullen-Hamzeh’s March 27 assessment.By that time, the Trustees will receive copies of the job description from Cullen-Hamzeh’s contract, her self-assessment and results from surveys of the faculty and parents.Cullen-Hamzeh has acted as interim academic director this year. Interim Managing Director Albert Argenziano pointed out to the trustees three weeks ago that MCCPS Grades 4-7 are already filled for next year and "Parents have made a commitment to Nina and we owe it to them to present our decision so they’ll know there is stability here."The job description provided by Trustee Pam Wheaton Shorr states that the head of school- Supervises the school’s financial, development and administrative operations;- Administers discipline with students and staff as necessary;- Supervises the school’s educational direction and vision;- Oversees the school’s governance and compliance with the charter and all relevant state and federal regulations.- Leads an organizational structure that is consistent with the school’s philosophy and mission of community;- Develops and maintains ties to the community and creates a positive image for the school;- Serves as the school’s representative on the board.Shorr’s document questions whether the trustees still expect a head of school to teach at the school, along with all the other duties.The survey includes ratings from 1-4, with 4 being "exemplary," 3 "proficient," 2 "progressing" and 1 "not meeting standards."Surveys included the topics in the job description, along with emotional self-control and legal and ethical behavior, which noted that there was no 1 category in terms of legal and ethical behavior – "One strike and you’re out."Trustees also approved a school bylaw change setting board membership at nine-15 trustees, with at least one parent and one teacher. The board may include as many as three teachers. The bylaw is in keeping with changes proposed by the state Department of Education.