Board, new school chief agree to terms

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Michael Yamin, director of special services and pupil personnel for Waterbury public schools, has been appointed the next superintendent of schools for Region 16. –RA ARCHIVE
Michael Yamin, director of special services and pupil personnel for Waterbury public schools, has been appointed the next superintendent of schools for Region 16. –RA ARCHIVE

REGION 16 — The Board of Education has reached a contract agreement to officially make Michael Yamin Region 16’s next superintendent of schools.

The contract, which runs through June 30, 2017, was signed by Yamin and school board Chair Donna Cullen on Aug. 6. The board, which oversees schools in Beacon Falls and Prospect, appointed Yamin, 45, superintendent July 29 following interviews with four finalists for the position.

Yamin’s base salary for 2014-15 is $168,000, according to the contract.

The contract offers Yamin the option of two healthcare plans — a PPO plan and a high deductible/HAS plan. The board will pay 80 percent of the cost of PPO plan, the contract states, and 82 percent of the cost of the high deductible/HSA plan. The board will also fund 50 percent of the applicable HSA deductible amount if Yamin chooses to enroll in this plan, according to the agreement.

The board will also pay 80 percent of dental insurance costs, if Yamin selects dental insurance.

The salary and healthcare provisions of the contract will be negotiated again prior to the start of the next two fiscal years, according to the agreement.

The board will also pay for a $400,000 life insurance policy for Yamin and provide a $2,000 annual transportation allowance, according to the agreement.

Yamin will be evaluated annually, under the terms of the deal, and must provide 90 days written notice if he wants to terminate the contract.

The contract also stipulates the means in which the board can terminate the contract. The board can end the contract for the following reasons: inefficiency or incompetence, insubordination against reasonable rules of the board, moral misconduct, disability which renders the superintendent unable to carry out the essential function of the position, and other due and significant causes.

Yamin, a Cheshire resident, has spent the bulk of his educational career in the Waterbury school system. He was promoted to director of special services and pupil personnel for Waterbury public schools in 2012. Prior to the promotion, he was principal of Kennedy High School in Waterbury for five years.

In March Yamin was named interim principal of Crosby High School in Waterbury after then Principal Michael Cain abruptly resigned. He has been credited by Waterbury officials for turning around the culture at the struggling school.

Yamin will replace current Superintendent Tim James. James announced his plans to resign in April due to health issues stemming from an undisclosed medical condition.
Yamin’s official first day is Sept. 2, which is the first day of school.

James will remain until Yamin starts. Over the coming weeks, Yamin will meet with James as well as attend meetings as part of the transition.