By Brian McCready
Milford Bureau Chief
MILFORD — After receiving a glowing performance evaluation from the school board Monday night, Superintendent of Schools Harvey B. Polansky said he would seek a new three-year contract and was committed to the district for the long haul.
Polansky just completed his first year on the job, and earns $165,000 a year.
He said he will discuss his salary with school board members later this summer.
Polansky, shown at right, said Monday that in December he will seek a new three-year contract.
Currently, Polansky’s contract is set to expire June 30, 2010.
"I am very happy here," Polansky said. "The community has embraced what I am doing."
Polansky was hired in March 2007 months after the school board bought out the contract of former Superintendent of Schools Gregory A. Firn.
Firn and the previous school board repeatedly butted heads.
Board of Education Chairman David Hourigan, D-4, said the evaluation was done orally with Polansky, and it’s the board’s desire that Polansky serve "many years as superintendent."
"The board has been very impressed with the level of leadership that Dr. Polansky has provided the district," Hourigan said.
Hourigan added that Polansky’s experience, including eight years as Southington superintendent, and his "compassion for kids and his visibility have heightened the public impression and perception of our school system."
Board members in the evaluation credited Polansky and his leadership for the district having made good progress in all areas.
Specifically, Polansky was praised for his focus on overhauling the instructional system, and was urged to continue to advocate for improvements to the district’s buildings.
"The board felt that Dr. Polansky provided strong organizational skills and compassionate, yet decisive, leadership," the evaluation states.
Polansky said it’s been a "great year" and he and his administrators were able to redo the entire instructional plan.
He said for the first time all employees are evaluated.
Polansky also said he has a great working relationship with the school board.
"This board is not political. It does what’s best for the kids. It’s refreshing," Polansky said.
Polansky said he’s learned residents simply want a superintendent who communicates directly to them and who is straightforward.
Brian McCready can be reached at bmccready@nhregister.com or 401-3501.