Stoneham Looks Within For New Superintendent

STONEHAM, MA — The Stoneham School Committee will enter into negotiations with Assistant Superintendent David Ljungberg to become the district's next superintendent, opting to promote from within over a hiring search or an interim tag.

The School Committee on Thursday night unanimously voted to begin discussions with Ljungberg, who graciously accepted.

"Thank you. I'm honored and privileged," Ljungberg said. "And I'm very humbled by your full endorsement. Thank you very, very much. I love this community. I love the dedication and commitment that folks have here across the district. No matter what role they're in. I'm absolutely humbled."

Superintendent John Macero announced earlier this month he will retire, effective Aug. 31.

"I'm extremely proud," Macero said. "I'm just really excited for [Ljungberg] and I will do everything I can to make sure that this transition is very smooth."

The School Committee heaped praise on Ljungberg.

"Having worked with Dave since I started, Dave is brilliant. He's kind, he's fair," Chair Jaime Wallace said. "And we know him. He knows us."

David Maurer said going with Ljungberg would spare the committee from wading into what is a tough superintendent pool, with people further along in their careers who would demand a higher salary and could retire sooner than later.

"Dave Ljungberg is a highly skilled, excellent candidate for superintendent," Maurer said.

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Stoneham Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook.