Derby school board votes not to renew contract for superintendent, two assistants

The Derby school board has voted against renewing Superintendent Heather Bohaty’s contract beyond next year.

The 4-2 decision was made Monday after an executive session, where the board also decided not to extend contracts for Assistant Superintendents Holly Putnam-Jackson and Becky Moeder through the 2024-2025 school year.

All three positions are currently under contract through the 2023-2024 school year, district officials told The Eagle.

“I have dedicated my entire educational career totaling 27 years to Derby Public Schools and had no indication of contract renewal concerns for myself or the assistant superintendents. We were surprised by last night’s vote as well,” Bohaty said in an email Monday.

No reason was given for the board’s decision. Matthew Joyce, one of two board members who voted in favor of the contracts, emphasized to The Eagle that the vote does not necessarily mean Bohaty, Putnam-Jackson and Moeder will be terminated.

“They voted not to extend the contract to 2024 and 2025 at this time. That doesn’t mean that it won’t be extended. It just means a majority of the board decided not to do it — for whatever reason,” Joyce said.

“I have full confidence in our administration — Heather, Becky and Holly. There are no performance issues and I am pleased with the direction of the district.”

He said the executive session was called “out of the blue” by board President Michael Blankenship before the meeting.

Joyce and Tina Prunier voted in favor of the contracts while Blankenship, Jennifer Neel, Robyn Pearman and Andy Watkins voted against them. Pam Doyle was absent from the meeting Monday night.

Joyce said he could not provide any information about what board members discussed in executive session without breaching confidentiality rules.

“I have no concerns with the performance of our superintendents and am hopeful the board will have further conversations during a future board meeting to discuss whatever concerns or questions other board members have regarding the contracts,” Prunier said.

The other board members did not respond to interview requests Monday.

Bohaty was appointed superintendent in 2017. She previously served eight years as the district’s assistant superintendent of human resources.

The school board voted in February 2021 to extend contracts for Bohaty and the two assistant superintendents through the 2022-2023 school year.

“Historically, superintendent contracts at Derby Public Schools are brought annually around this time and are rolling two year contracts,” Bohaty said. “I believe further conversation may take place at a future board meeting to clarify the board’s desire regarding these contracts.”

This is a developing story that will be updated as more information becomes available.

This story was originally published February 14, 2023 at 12:24 PM.