Letter: Melrose Schools Transition With New Superintendent

Submitted on behalf of the Melrose School Committee by Chairwoman Kristin Thorp.

Last week Ms. Cyndy Taymore, the incoming Superintendent of Melrose Public Schools, signed her contract, signifying the end of the Superintendent Search process and the beginning of a new era in Melrose. I would like to take a moment to recognize this transition.

The last six years, under the direction of Superintendent Joe Casey, we saw a great deal of change and innovation in our schools. A strong Administrative Team was formed, test results were increased, facilities were updated and all of this was done in the context of a shrinking budget. The district is far ahead of where it was when Joe arrived. We are thankful for the tireless dedication to the students of Melrose that he has shown. When Joe announced his upcoming retirement, a search began immediately for his replacement.

The search process took six months, and encompassed over 1,000 man hours of our volunteers' time. The search committee accomplished their task of bringing to the School Committee a list of finalist candidates, and they did this within the original timeline and under budget. The committee, along with the community and the staff of the Melrose Public Schools, then interviewed all five finalist candidates. The entire review process was open, inclusive and thorough. When the committee extended an offer to Ms. Taymore, we were confident that our decision was the right one. 

Now we begin the transition. Ms. Taymore will work closely with Mr. Casey over the coming months to learn from him and to get up to speed on the workings of the district. She will have input in any changes that are made in personnel and in programs during this time. Many of you have already seen Ms. Taymore at events around Melrose, and many more of you will have that opportunity in the future.  She is excited to be here and anxious to start officially on July 1. The School Committee will have periodic updates of Ms. Taymore’s entry plan, and we will share them with the community.

We are very excited about what we have in Melrose, and about the direction that we are going. We thank the community for their help and support, and look forward to continuing to improve the Melrose Public Schools.

Kristin Thorp
Chairwoman, Melrose School Committee