APS Superintendent Magda Parvey Agrees Contract Extension Through 2029

ANDOVER, MA — The Andover School Committee announced Thursday that it has agreed to a new, longer-term contract with Andover Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Magda Parvey.

The new successor employment contract lasts through 2029, the committee said.

The committee said Parvey's performance in the position, where she has served since July 2021, and a competitive market for school superintendents in Massachusetts were among the reasons a new contract was negotiated at this time.

"The committee is thrilled to have Dr. Parvey as a long-term partner," said Susan McCready, school committee chair. "Her leadership in the coming years will ensure stability for the district and advance the necessary work in curriculum development, communications and consistency across the district that Dr. Parvey has begun with administrators, faculty and staff during her first 18 months as the leader of APS. Dr. Parvey has assembled a talented team to support our educators, and most importantly, our students and families."

Parvey's original contract was due to expire in June 2024. The new contract will begin on July 1, 2023, and last for six years.

According to the committee, the new deal will pay Parvey $228,000 for FY 2024, $234,000 for FY 2025, and $240,000 for FY2026. Parvey's compensation for 2027-29 will be determined by factors like her annual performance, superintendent salary comparables, and the district's operating budget.

The new contract will maintain the other terms and benefits of Parvey's original contract, according to the school committee.

"I'm appreciative to the school committee for their confidence in my work," Parvey said. "As a community, we have accomplished a lot in my first year and a half in the district. I look forward to providing consistent practices, increased accountability, sustainability and stability for our students and staff in partnership with the school committee. Securing long-term leadership for the district reflects the committee's commitment to our school community and families."

Parvey oversees a district with 10 school buildings, 1,100 staff members and approximately 5,600 students.

In a release announcing the superintendent's new contract, the school committee cited several areas in which Parvey has focused her efforts since she took charge of APS. Those areas include: outreach to APS students, families and the greater community, curriculum development, navigating the pandemic, increasing mental health support for students, serving as the educational leader for the district's major building projects and improving the ongoing safety and security of all school buildings.

The committee also said securing Parvey on a longer-term contract was a priority at a time when superintendents are in high demand. According to the committee, there are approximately 35 active superintendent searches currently in Massachusetts out of 275 positions.

"Prior to her official start in July 2021, Dr. Parvey was committed, energetic and ready to work on behalf of the district. She has been a dedicated, high-performing leader every day since," McCready said. "The committee recognizes this type of leadership is rare and valuable. We are confident that with her guidance and expertise, the district is moving in a direction to ensure positive outcomes for our students."