'Positive Direction': New Marblehead Superintendent Eyes Fresh Start Amid Turmoil

MARBLEHEAD, MA — New Marblehead Interim Superintendent of Schools John Robidoux is looking to move the district in a "positive direction" as he embarks on the upcoming school year while the schools remain embroiled in several recent and long-standing challenges that include budget constraints, labor conflicts, student services upheaval and the development of what has been a controversial flag-display policy.

Despite being greeted with the charge to select an independent investigator to delve into accusations of religious bias and harassment among staff and former administrators, soon-to-be expiring teacher contracts and the request for state mediation on a custodian deal and the flag policy delay after several students, teachers and residents attended a recent School Committee meeting to speak out against the current proposal, Robidoux told the school community it has been a "whirlwind of positive activity" for him and his staff since being selected to succeed former Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness late in the spring.

Robidoux posted his message the day before the School Committee said the Marblehead Education Association informed it that the union was "unilaterally adjourning negotiations immediately" during the 10th bargaining session Tuesday night just days before the current contract is set to expire.

"I am heartened by all of the offers of support and well-wishes, for which I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation," he said ahead of the school opening on Sept. 3. "In my short time here, I have come to realize that our school community, and the community at large, are passionate and truly want what is best for our students."

Robidoux said during his interview process that the immense level of turnover among district leadership in recent years could be a beneficial thing as he looks for fresh eyes to tackle some of the schools' long-standing issues.

The former Swansea superintendent, who worked in that district for 19 years, was offered a two-year contract in June as a means to prove stability within the schools and allow Robidoux to put his fingerprint on them without having yet another superintendent search hanging over his head and those of School Committee members for a third straight year.

Among the new leadership staff are Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Julia Ferreira, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Michael Pfifferling and Assistant Superintendent of Student Services LisaMarie Ippolito.

Other new administrators include Kristin Morello-Assistant Business Manager, Victoria Ryan-Assistant Director of Student Services, Frank Kowalski-Interim Principal at Glover School, Scott Williams-Principal at Village School, Jennifer Emmett-Conrad-Assistant Principal, at Village School, Matt Manfredi-Assistant Principal at Brown School, and Catherine Koch-Assistant Principal at MVMS and new Team Chair Susan Allen.

"I have been working with our administrators to discuss expectations, set the tone and tenor of the school year, and ensure that we are moving in a positive direction in terms of readying the school buildings and making sure that the resources and training are in place for staff to welcome
our students."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)