NEWPORT, N.H. — SAU 43 Superintendent Brendan Minnihan’s letter of resignation submitted to the School Board this week cites conflicts and climate in the district as the reasons he is stepping down effective July 5.
Minnihan charged that some members of the School Board and community have chosen to denigrate staff, and indirectly students, making his goal of being upbeat and raising staff morale “an impossible task.”
Minnihan did not single out any board member, but he could have been referring to Bert Spaulding, who was elected to the board in 2021. Spaulding has made it clear both at board meetings and before the Selectboard that the ranking of Richards Elementary School at last among 211 elementary schools in the state as measured by test scores is unacceptable.
Spaulding also noted the middle school is 123rd out of 125 middle schools in the state, wants the board to be involved in addressing the problem and vowed to continue working toward a solution.
Minnihan, who was first hired as an interim in 2019 and then later named the permanent superintendent, said in his letter that for the district to be successful, everyone must work together “within the expectations and boundaries of their roles.”
“It has become clear to me that some individuals in this district do not understand, agree with or appreciate the clearly defined roles and responsibilities of a school board versus a superintendent, ” Minnihan wrote, referencing state law.
He went on to say the board hires a superintendent and provides oversight and direction on policy and strategic planning, but overseeing the day-to-day operations of the district is solely the responsibility of the superintendent.
Reached at his office Friday, Minnihan declined to elaborate on the contents of his resignation letter.
The School Board is expected to discuss the resignation and next steps toward hiring a new superintendent when it meets on Thursday.
Schooldigger.com lists Richards Elementary, grades K-5, last and Newport Middle School 123rd in New Hampshire, based on data from the U.S. Department of Education, the New Hampshire Department of Education and other sources.
Patrick O’Grady can be reached at pogclmt@gmail.com.
