School Officials Express Concern About "Lack of Professionalism"

Members of the Portsmouth Leadership Team issued a statement today expressing disappointment with "the recent treatment of a member of the Portsmouth Leadership Team" during the search for a new school superintendent.

"We express our concern with the lack of professionalism on the part of the chairman of the School Committee in working with the members of the Portsmouth Leadership Team," the statement read. "The recent misconduct during the search misrepresents the true spirit of community, respect, and integrity that the Portsmouth community holds true. We ask that the members of the Portsmouth School Committee reflect on the current situation and adhere to the School Committee Policy number 2010 Professional Relationship Between School Committee and Administration, particularly with respect to '...the free exchange during meeting or meetings, in an effort to reach mutual understanding and agreement.'”

The statement was sparked in part by a report on Portsmouth Patch on Monday about the resignation of six members of the 15-member superintendent search committee after apparent friction between School Committee Chairman David Croston.

"In the spirit of moving forward we have confidence that the Portsmouth Leadership Team will be able to meet together, as professionals, with the School Committee to work towards advancing the great work of the Portsmouth School Department," the statement concluded.

The statement was signed by the following members of the Portsmouth administration team:

• Barbara McGann 
• Jeffrey Schoonover 
• Chris DiIuro
• Skip Uhl
• Robert Littlefield 
• Joe Amaral
• Lisa Little 
• Elizabeth Viveiros 
• Colleen Larson 
• Chris Ashley 
• Michael Monahan 
• Michelle Michno 
• Chad Smith
• Rose Muller