Well they do contradict each other IF the confidential report that they give to an admin differs in nature from what you have on paper. Its academic, because you cant do "any better" with the written reference you have (you cant have them write "dont believe what we might say on the phone if its negative"). You also will never know if they do say anything negative about you confidentially, and you wouldnt be able to do anything about it anyway. As far as asking what they would say about you if someone calls, what do you expect them to do say "yeah were going to trash your name when they call". Theres nothing to keep them from lying and saying one thing to you and another to someone else.
You basically have the best of a bad situation, my points were just observations to keep in mind, because youre really at the end of the line as far as what you can do.
Totally unfairly "non-renewed" HELP!
I've been to quite a few fairs and have interviewed with about half the int. schools in the world. I have to say that only about 10% ever ask why you are leaving. It is usually a throw away question. They are expecting a quick answer about new challenges or change of scenery. If you get into a discussion about not being offered a contract because of 'whatever' then I wouldn't expect a positive result.
I'm not saying lie! I'm saying that there has to be something about the country or in your city that annoys you or you would like to be different. Use that. At my last school my principal was a total douche. Did I mention that in my interview even though it was quite relevant to why I was searching? No. I spoke about the climate or something else as mundane so that the interview could focus on my teaching and pedagogy.
Good luck,
PS don't bring this up with search or at least wait until you have a signed contract.
I'm not saying lie! I'm saying that there has to be something about the country or in your city that annoys you or you would like to be different. Use that. At my last school my principal was a total douche. Did I mention that in my interview even though it was quite relevant to why I was searching? No. I spoke about the climate or something else as mundane so that the interview could focus on my teaching and pedagogy.
Good luck,
PS don't bring this up with search or at least wait until you have a signed contract.