Interim Andover Superintendent Claudia Bach Takes Office

ANDOVER, MA — Andover's new interim Superintendent Claudia Bach began her new term with the district Monday after Sheldon Berman left the district at the end of 2020.

Bach, a former superintendent, is expected to spend about six months back in the superintendent's office. A School Committee search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Sheldon Berman resigned in October after five years with the district. The School Committee finalized their pick for an interim superintendent Dec. 22.

"I return to the district that I care about deeply at a difficult time, as COVID-19 surges, and with important projects underway," Bach wrote in a letter to the school community Monday. "Despite the many challenges, I begin the work with enthusiasm and commitment to supporting our students in every way possible while continuing to move our district forward."

Andover schools are currently remote for most students, with hybrid learning scheduled to resume Jan. 11.

"The most important task I have is ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all students and staff in our schools," Bach wrote. "This task always has to come first, and is especially important this year, given the pandemic and recent news of a particularly contagious strain of the virus. And right behind this task, is exploring ways of getting our students and teachers back to school - in person, five days a week."

Bach's full letter is available here.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.