Melrose Principal Recommended For New Job by Superintendent

MELROSE, MA - Superintendent of Schools Cyndy Taymore announced today that she has nominated Melrose High School Principal Marianne Farrell to fill the position for Director of Finance and Administrative Affairs, left vacant with the April departure of Jay Picone.

The staffing change, subject to the approval of the Melrose School Committee, will draw on Farrell's knowledge, talent, and skill as an administrator to fill one of the most important roles in the school district during a vital time in the district's history, according to a release by Taymore.

In a letter to faculty and staff, Superintendent Taymore said:

"This is a very exciting time to be involved in the Melrose Public Schools community. It is a time of great things and great change. With that change came some anxiety after the departure of one of my senior staff members, Director for Finance and Administrative Affairs Jay Picone, who left in April to work at Northeast Regional Vocational Technical School.

"As we look at our expanding student roster, space needs, capital projects, and ongoing efforts to improve and excel in all areas, one of my primary goals is to ensure that the progress we are making as a district and the strides we are watching unfold among our students and faculty continue unabated, despite any transitions. However, we are very fortunate to have a tremendous amount of talent and versatility on our team.

"That is why I am very proud to announce that I am recommending Marianne Farrell as district’s new Director for Finance and Administrative Affairs. Subject to the approval of the School Committee, Marianne will transition this summer from the high school to central administration in an interim basis, which we intend to become a permanent role upon the completion of state certifications. Marianne is a tremendous administrator who has a breadth of knowledge and experience. This will help ensure that the business of the district continues during these next vital years without missing a beat."

Pending the approval of the School Committee, Farrell is slated to begin her new role on July 1.

"We are very lucky to have a resource like Marianne to fill this role. I have consulted with my colleagues in education around the state, and numerous districts are having difficulty filling the Finance and Administrative Affairs role, and there is a shortage of qualified and experienced candidates," Taymore said. "Marianne has been an integral part of our leadership team, and she would excel in this new role, ensuring that the Melrose Public Schools does not miss a beat."

​A district search committee ​interviewed five other candidates from a field of 20 applicants, but the search did not yield a suitable candidate, according to a release. As a result, Taymore turned her search inward​ before deciding on Farrell, according to a release.

"I an honored to have the chance to play a key role in macro-level policy-making decisions that will directly benefit our entire community," Farrell said in a statement. "I am grateful to Superintendent Taymore for her faith in my abilities, and I hope that the School Committee will look favorably on my candidacy."

Farrell has completed training with the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials and has applied for the necessary certification for her role. Additionally, Patrick Dello Russo, the city’s Chief Financial Officer, and Donna Cardillo, the city’s programming consultant, will work closely with her in her new role, according to a release.

"I believe that having current members of our administrative team in key positions will provide stability and help us to successfully navigate the transitions and challenges ahead of us," Superintendent Taymore said.