Bodie  

Superintendent Kathleen Bodie, who has weathered rocky times in her four-plus years leading the public schools and this month received top marks in a School Committee evaluation, can look forward to the renewal of her contract.

The committee voted Tuesday, Nov. 27, to enter into talks for a new pact as the current agreement ends next June 30.

At a meeting held in part to get the contract process moving, the School Committee emerged from a half-hour closed session and made two votes.

Nov. 18: High marks, targeted concerns for Bodie

Jeff Thielman moved to authorize the chair, Kirsi Allison-Ampe, to notify the superintendent in writing of the School Committee's intent to enter negotiations to renew her contract. Seconded by Cindy Starks, it was adopted, 7-0.

Thielman also moved to create a subcommittee to negotiate the new contract. After a second from Starks, it was also adopted, 7-0. On the panel will be Bill Hayner, Judson Pierce and Paul Schlichtman. Pierce will be the chair.

The decision to renew the superintendent's contract had to occur by Dec. 31. Her current annual salary is $167,260.

To provide context, here are some key events related to Bodie occurring since 2007:

Bodie, named an assistant superintendent in 2007, was elevated to superintendent in 2008 following the departure of Nate Levenson.

In October 2008, she was named interim superintendent in a vote of 5-0-1.

In January 2009, the committee voted to extend her contract to June 30, 2010.

In February 2010, after a search committee chose eight candidates for superintendent, Bodie did not say whether she had applied.

A little more than a week later, Bodie was reported to be a finalist for the top school job in Swampscott.

Five days after that, three finalists were named, and Bodie bowed out.

Late that month, the two remaining finalists withdrew and Bodie accepted the permanent position.

Her evaluations were reported in April 2010.

In November 2011, the School Committee evaluated Bodie in public for the first time.

This story was published Friday, Nov. 30, 2012.