Cortvriend Picked to Lead School Committee in 4-3 Vote

True to his word, David Croston stepped down as chairman of the School Committee and the seven-member board voted 4-3 to replace him with fellow member Terri Cortvriend on Tuesday night.

Croston had indicated he would cede the leadership post on the board after a series of accusations by fellow member Frederick Faerber that he has overstepped his authority as well as increasing pressure from a number of school administrators and teachers.

Faerber nominated Committeewoman Emily Copeland to take the leadership vote, but that measure failed in a 3-4 vote with Faerber, Copeland and John Wojichowski voting in favor.

Croston, Cortvriend and members Andrew Kelly and Thomas Vadney voted against Faerber's nomination and instead threw their support behind Cortvriend.

EastBayRI.com reported that Croston said it had been an honor to serve as chairman and listed several key measures he is proud of — the approval of all-day K, the T3 project and the hiring of a new finance director and superintendent.

Croston came under fire last month after a he admitted to approving the pouring of a concrete slab at the new Portsmouth High School field near the home team bleachers without proper approvals.

The slab, which will form the base of a donated pavillion, was eventually OK'd by the committee last week but not after another round of criticism from Faerber, who said it was just the latest in a long line of Croston's tendency to issue directives and make decisions on his own.

Croston also took heat after he reportedly yelled at Hathaway School Principal Lisa Little earlier this year during a superintendent search committee meeting.

Similar concerns prompted school officials to sign a joint statement complaining of "lack of professionalism" in response to the May yelling incident.