The School Committee voted unanimously to approve a two-year contract for interim Superintendent John Robidoux.
During the discussion before the vote, Committee member Al Williams asked why the contract had a no-cause early-termination payment of $50,000 and why Robidoux would be able to leave within his first 90 days in the district.
“For us to terminate someone without cause, what’s the scenario where that happens? Because typically, if we’re documenting and doing a good job evaluating employees, that wouldn’t happen,” he said.
Jenn Schaeffner, who was voted as chair of the School Committee during the meeting, said that there could be multiple different reasons why someone could be terminated without cause.
Committee member Sarah Fox said the clause is actually cost-effective because without it, the district would owe the terminated employee the amount of money left in their contract or have to file for arbitration.
“Which could be substantial if it happened in a short period of time. This actually does protect us and gives us an option,” Schaeffner said.
She said the contract will be renegotiated on or before March 15, 2026. She added that Robidoux would have to be notified on or before that date if the committee decides to extend the contract or offer him a full-time position.