The Superintendent Search is Launched

With the impending departure of current superintendent John McCarthy, all leaders involved with Scituate education have opinions on what the next superintendent should prioritize and support. We sat down with important members in varying facets of education in the town, including principals, department chairs, and class presidents among others. Each individual had a different perspective on what needs to be accomplished moving forward.

When asked about specific qualities the next superintendent should possess, educators, students, and other community members were eager to add their insights to the conversation. Scituate High School Principal Robert Wargo stated that McCarthy’s replacement should be someone who is similarly able to lead. He or she should recognize that “there’s a big difference between management and leading,” he noted, and this is crucial in achieving unity across all schools in the district.

SHS Assistant Principal Brian Duffy mirrored Wargo’s opinion, stating that leadership qualities, combined with the ability to cooperate and listen to coworkers, are among the most important characteristics in a successful superintendent. Another response to this question came from Gates Principal Ryan Lynch, who said the next superintendent should be someone who can “quickly assess what the strengths and needs are” of the school district.

While most of the education leaders generally agreed on the necessary path education must take, there were definite differences about how funds should be allocated. Foreign Language Department Chairperson Kathryn Ciulla believes that certain funds will be necessary to transition foreign language into the 6th grade curriculum. She also supports continued funding for the Mandarin Chinese program, which has enjoyed success during its first year in Scituate. At the elementary school level, Wampatuck Principal Linda Whitney discussed the importance of resources in the elementary school setting. “We need resources such as technology, and varied resources such as materials and training that reflect best practices,” she stated. Whitney added, “Another area of expenditure is in our facilities — we have three elementary schools that will need attention in that area.”

Jenkins Principal Jennifer Arnold believes that using the town’s money on professional development and special education are top priorities. She advocates “supporting social-emotional learning for students,” and dedicating more resources to elementary school students who present mental health issues, which is traditionally emphasized at the middle and high school levels.

“Thoughtful allocation of funds,” between all courses and departments in the town is critical in having a vision, according to Math Department Chairperson Liz Grindle. She believes the funds must be used to support all students, not just the majority. Junior Class President Charlie McDonald echoed this statement, stating that McCarthy’s replacement should “continue to appoint the best teachers so students have ample opportunities to succeed.” Both Grindle and McDonald were content with the progress that Superintendent McCarthy made during his tenure, and hope for continuity with his successor.

SHS Assistant Principal to Student Life, Bill Luette, stressed the importance of the next superintendent “continuing work to improve the field situations and Title IX issues that exist in Scituate.” In agreement, Senior Class President Cameron Blanks made a statement in support of Luette’s opinion: “There is definitely a discrepancy of fund distribution between sports.” Whether that be between male and female sports or simply the type of sport, the Title IX issue still remains and does not go unnoticed, according to Blanks. He also suggested that the new superintendent focus on “promoting community connectedness.” As Blanks explained, compared to other high schools, Scituate lacks some of the school spirit observed in neighboring towns.

Freshman Class President Jack Williams specifically said that “raising money for extracurricular activities,” should be the top priority of the next superintendent. Principal Lynch had a broader vision, hoping that the next superintendent’s top priority will be to ensure that students are challenged and surrounded by a positive and engaging learning environment.

President of SHORE, Alice Montgomery, further explained the need for an increase of funds to the types of activities mentioned by Williams. The SHORE organization works to issue funds where needed in order to improve student life and education at the high school. Montgomery presented the need for an extended budget, stating, “SHORE meets the needs of teachers, students and staff to assist in piloting new programs, supporting the curriculum and filling budget gaps.” Montgomery added, “Historically there has been a great need in the athletic department, and there is no budget allowance for field trips or cultural enrichment.”

Along with her SHORE presidency, Montgomery is a parent of three high school students currently attending SHS and is concerned about the pending issues regarding the middle school: “Top priority should be an examination of the new school and the cohesion on the high school campus,” she said. Parental concern regarding traffic and parking for school and after-school activities will increase as the opening of the middle school approaches. According to Montgomery, “Numerous issues that haven’t been worked out yet” should be prioritized.

History Department Chairperson Steve Swett had some advice to give the next superintendent. “Don’t be afraid to push back against different people who might not have students at the center of their decision making,” he said. Swett believes that having a superintendent who is willing to fight for students in all situations is very important.

English Department Chairman Ryan Beattie, who has been teaching at Scituate High School for almost a decade, said the next superintendent should keep the core goal of learning in the decision process at all times.

The search committee has a lot to consider when evaluating the needs of the district and candidates for the role of superintendent. Current leaders in education possess differing opinions on priorities for the job, but in the end, McCarthy’s successor will need good communication skills to field advice offered from the diverse educational community in Scituate.