SOUTHBRIDGE Sick for several weeks, school Superintendent Basan "Buzz" Nembirkow has formally requested medical leave, School Committee Lauren C. McLoughlin said Tuesday.

The School Committee Tuesday night voted 5-0 to appoint Patricia Gardner, director of teaching and learning since July, the acting superintendent until the April 29 meeting. She is a certified to work as a school chief.

Ms. McLoughlin said Mr. Nembirkow is taking the leave to "provide structure" for the district during his absence, and to focus on his health.

"Buzz is still the superintendent," the chairwoman said, adding that Ms. Gardner would be legally authorized to exercise powers and duties during his absence, but still retains her previous position. She will be tasked with handling day-to-day operations of the district.

Ms. McLoughlin said Mr. Nembirkow will be available from home to deal with budgetary, personnel and other administrative duties as necessary, and will attend as many meetings as his health permits.

He will interview finalists for the four principal positions for next year, Ms. McLoughlin said.

Ms. Gardner has been working in the district as essentially the assistant superintendent since July. Previously she had been Turners Falls High School principal in the Gill-Montague district.

In another matter, Ms. McLoughlin spoke Tuesday night about a prior meeting at which some School Committee members had scolded guidance department staff and accused them of failing to meet students' needs. Ms. McLoughlin said it was not the panel's intent to embarrass anyone.

Ms. McLoughlin acknowledged some staff and community members thought the guidance officials had been treated unfairly during the March 25 meeting.

In reaction to the committee's criticism during that meeting, a tearful high school guidance counselor was observed being comforted by a colleague in the hallway.

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Southbridge school superintendent seeks medical leave