MANCHESTER, NH – A forum meant to give the community an opportunity to ask questions of lone school district superintendent candidate Dr. Bolgen Vargas was lightly attended Friday night – only about 35 or so Memorial High School auditorium seats were filled, primarily by school board members, school staff and administrators, and a smattering of parents.
But those who did attend took advantage of the chance to question Vargas on everything from his approach to redistricting, to how he has navigated the challenges in Rochester, NY, where his relationship with the school board ended early, with his resignation last year.
Vargas cited philosophical differences with the board, and an illegal change in his contract – but ultimately, it was a power struggle that, according to his hometown paper, led to his decision to leave six months before the end of his contract.
Vargas noted that in the end, his parting with Rochester was amicable, and that he received a standing ovation from the board.
He also talked toward the end of the evening about his own beginnings, coming to the U.S. at the age of 17 with no English language skills, and a lot of hurdles to mount. He described his leadership style as one grounded in humility and cooperation.
Parent Michael Porter got the Q&A started with what he later admitted was more of a pop quiz than a question, when he asked Vargas how he would move Manchester schools forward, given its comparatively modest budget.
“It was more of a test,” Porter said after the meeting ended. “The fact that he didn’t have a direct answer was actually a positive thing, to me.”
Porter said he regarded Vargas’ response as honest.
In answering the question, Vargas said it wouldn’t be appropriate to impose his vision on the district, but rather to discern the collective values of the community before forging ahead, including working within a budget.
“If I’m fortunate enough to be hired, I will have to work with what I have,” Vargas said. He described some of the challenges he rose to in Rochester, including a school with no football team for 30 years, and a shortage of library staff. Vargas said he was proud of the fact that he found ways to reduce spending and increase resources for programs – and not only restored one football team, but expanded the district’s athletic programs.
The bulk of his professional career was spent as a school counselor, and seven years as a Rochester School Board member, including four years as board president. His appointment as interim school superintendent in 2011 was his first administrative position.
Vargas spent a full day Friday touring the city and interacting with parents and students at various schools. He said he saw many positives, and regards the district’s rich diversity as a genuine strength.
More than once the question coaxed an answer as to why he would be willing to take a pay cut to come to a district like Manchester, whose salary in Rochester was $195,000. Vargas said his passion for education inspired him to continue to pursue his work, post-Rochester. He also said the quality of life available in Manchester – including tax-free shopping – makes it a desirable destination, adding that his wife has relatives nearby.
He said he was struck by the fact that he heard very little from the public about the positives of the district.
“Money is important, but it’s not the solution to everything. The salary may be lower here, but the opportunity that it represents for someone who loves this work, is great, and I would be honored to join this community or school board,” Vargas said. “You have a lot to offer.”
Vargas will go before the full school board for a Saturday session, which is open to the public, at City Hall at 8 a.m., followed by a closed session during which the board will come to a decision.
A second candidate for the job, Dr. Vincent Cotter, withdrew his name from consideration earlier this week.
