August 10, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Dr. Gary Maestas was recently named Hingham Public Schools interim superintendent of schools after serving as Plymouth Public Schools Supt. of Schools for 12 years -- replacing Paul Austin, who resigned effective the end of July.
But it's not "official" yet, School Committee Chair Kerry Ni explained at Monday's remote School Committee meeting.
That's because although the Committee's intent was to enter into contract and salary negotiations with Maestas for a one-year contract, because he is retired and drawing a pension, he was required to apply for a "Critical Shortage Waiver" from the state.
In addition to hardship waivers, Massachusetts law also provides for "critical shortage" waivers that permit a school district to employ a retired educator beyond his or her usual earning limits, in certain circumstances. "We're expecting an answer very soon," Ni said.
Because business must go on, including eventually hiring two new elementary principals to replace former East School Principal Anthony Keady and former Foster School Principal Beth Wilcox -- who both resigned recently -- the School Committee named HPS Asst. Supt. of Schools Jamie LaBillois to serve as acting superintendent until the waiver is granted.
"This will enable us to move forward as a district," Ni said.
I would love to see Jamie become the superintendent, He is intelligent, well spoken, compassionate, considerate and one of the most sincere administrators I have ever come in contact with. I really hope Hingham can retain him as he is an asset to our children and towns future. Let’s not continue to lose these valuable educators and admins.