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However, Supt. William Folsom said that the School Committee failed to rehire Nick White because he lacked the proper certification. "It had nothing to do with his job performance at all. In fact, we were all very pleased with his work," Folsom said Friday. The vocational education and carpentry classes require two types of certification, Folsom explained, and White only held one of them. "He needed what is known as the 700 endorsement for grades 9-12 in woodworking to fill the entire schedule," the superintendent said. Folsom applied for a waiver in February 2001, citing White's "vast experience in the private sector with building construction" and the fact that he was "developing an increasing portfolio of experiences and skills." But Maine Department of Education Commissioner J. Duke Albanese only granted White long-term substitute status for the last school year, and stated that in order to serve in the same capacity this year "Mr. White will need to hold the appropriate certification." White agreed that he lacked the certification, but said that Folsom told him that he would be allowed to teach the three periods that he was qualified to instruct, "It sounded reasonable to me, because we both knew that I couldn't get a waiver unless I was enrolled in a bachelor's degree program," said White. "But he didn't honor his commitment. He just changed his mind," he added. Folsom said that White's recollection of the conversation "certainly differs from mine and I really don't want to comment on it. But I can safely say that if Nick had the certification, I would have recommended him for reappointment." There is a new candidate for the full-time position who has complete certification, Folsom said, and the school only lacks the person's mandatory criminal records check and fingerprinting records. "Once those arrive, I'll be placing their nomination before the school committee," said the superintendent. White said that he has no plans for the immediate future, but hopes to teach industrial arts again. "But it won't be in Greenville - not after what I've been through," White said. |