Controversial raise prompts proposal for wider input in Wellesley

Superintendent of Schools Matthew King
(Globe staff photo by Matthew J. Lee)

WELLESLEY

Still trying to quell voter anger over last year’s 8.5 percent raise for Superintendent of Schools Matthew King, the School Committee is slated to discuss a proposal to involve people outside the committee in decisions on raises and bonuses for administrators.

King's raise -- which was approved by the committee after voters agreed to a tax increase for what town officials said was a bare bones budget -- prompted scores of complaints. The new proposal, outlined by Committee Chairman Michael Young last week, would seek feedback on the superintendent’s performance from parents, principals, selectmen, and other town officials.

“It can’t just be what the five of us think,” said Young, referring to the committee. “We have to reach out.”

Discussion on the proposal will take place during the School Committee’s last regular meeting for the year on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Wellesley High School library.

-- Lisa Keen