Beverly School Committee Reviews Superintendent Search Survey, Targets April Appointment

BEVERLY — February 24, 2025 — Beverly School Committee reviews superintendent search survey results and recruitment brochure in special session. The Committee of the Whole met Monday, February 24, to hear preliminary stakeholder survey results from MASC field director and search coordinator Alicia Malin, who reported that 414 respondents from across Beverly's parent, student, staff, and community base consistently ranked communication skills and student advocacy as the top qualities sought in the district's next superintendent. Classroom teaching experience ranked first among desired qualifications, with financial management and communication skills tied for second. Committee member Jeffrey Silva requested that the screening committee be directed to forward at least three finalists to the full committee, which Malin confirmed was possible and in keeping with her own standard practice. The 18-member screening committee's composition drew questions from member Karen Robinson, who said community members were seeking reassurance; Chair Rachel Abel said a comparison to prior search compositions would be presented Wednesday. The committee voted 6-0 to adjourn, with member Jim Quagliaroli absent, and is targeting a superintendent appointment in April.