LAWRENCE — School Superintendent Wilfredo Laboy plans to be back on the job early next week for the first time since checking himself into the hospital on May 14 for work-related stress.
Laboy, 58, advised the School Committee in an email earlier this week that he intended to return to his $200,000-a-year job on Monday after getting clearance from his doctor to resume his duties on a part-time basis, working no more than 20 hours a week.
But in a telephone interview last night, Laboy acknowledged that his official return could be delayed a day or two, pending the outcome of an independent medical examination requested by the School Committee.
"They want a medical clearance and I will do as they wish," Laboy said.
Mayor Micheal Sullivan confirmed that Laboy's was contingent upon a second medical opinion that was sought by the committee last week.
"The committee, on the suggestion by (School Committee) Attorney Naomi Stonberg, requested that an independent medical doctor give Dr. Laboy a re-entry exam before he comes back to work," Sullivan said.
"The attorney told us that it's a common practice, which takes liability away from the city if he comes back and something happens to him. It's a safeguard — that a doctor representing the city also clears him before he comes back," the mayor said.
Laboy is finishing his fifth week of an eight-week medical leave that he obtained shortly after his brief stay at Lawrence General Hospital. Sullivan said he could have remained on leave until mid-July.
But Laboy noted last night that he's hoping to resume normal full-time duties by then, if a medical examination by his doctor early next month goes well.
Since undergoing treatment, Laboy, of Methuen, said he has lost close to a dozen pounds, has lowered his blood pressure and cholesterol and has changed his diet to address what he called "a pre-diabetic condition."
"This is one thing that has certainly gotten my attention," Laboy said of the health problems that forced him out of work.
"I'm eager and feel at peace and harmony," Laboy said of his anticipated return. He said he looked forward "to collaborating with the School Committee and moving forward" on important issues that affect the schools.
Laboy, who has drawn heavy criticism from several committee members this year because of several scandals — including a police probe into the misuse of school computers to conduct criminal and financial background checks of dozens of non-school personnel — said he hoped to build better relations with the committee.
Laboy's special assistant Mark Rivera resigned for his role in the so-called "snoop list" controversy, which involved checks on 400 people, including reporters, mayoral candidates, state and local politicians, celebrities and business people.
"If anyone was offended by me, I want to apologize to them publicly as well, and want to move forward," Laboy said.
"I want this to be the best of all years," Laboy said of the upcoming school year — which is expected to be his 10th and final year. Laboy announced several months ago he planned to retire in October of next year.
The superintendent thanked the committee "for their patience and support," during his absence. He also commended Acting Superintendent Mary Lou Bergeron and others for carrying on in "an exemplary way."
Bergeron, who has been acting superintendent in Laboy's absence, will probably retain that role at least through next Tuesday night's School Committee meeting, Laboy said.
A majority of School Committee members interviewed last night said they welcomed Laboy back, but not until he obtained a second medical opinion.
Several said Laboy's return may have been hastened by the letter that their attorney sent to Laboy last week requesting a second medical opinion and also asking him to return his car until his leave ended. The car was due back today.
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