Superintendent Search Hits Snag In Waltham

WALTHAM, MA — The search committee charged with finding a new Superintendent of Schools hit a snag late last month when one of the finalists withdrew. And now it's back to the drawing board as the district searches for someone to lead the schools.

George Frost, who was the administrator of human resources for the schools, slid into the superintendent role at the end of last school year as former Superintendent Drew Echelson stepped down after four years at the helm. Frost is set to be in position temporarily until a permanent superintendent is found. The plan was to have the process complete by December 18. But that date has been pushed back to February.

The district received 19 applications in October, seven of whom were from women, according to school committee member John Frassica. Between Oct. 20 and 27 the search committee interviewed the candidates and chose two finalists. They were about to make the names public and forward the finalist names to the School Committee when one of the candidates unexpectedly withdrew, causing a halt to the process.

The search committee voted to open a new search opening applications again on Nov. 13. The applications are due back to the district by Dec. 20. The plan is to find someone by early February to start as superintendent next school year.

The new superintendent would oversee a budget of about $91,550,620 across 10 schools and a pre school and some 5,692 students, 50.6 of which English is not their first language. Of the student population 49.5 percent are considered low Income, and 15.6 percent are considered needing special education.

The next superintendent would be expected to usher in and follow through the master plan for the new high school building project, address diversity needs and education gaps in the district.

The search committee is made up of 15 people, including three school committee members, two administrators, three faculty members, three parents, two community members, and representative of the special education team and of an English language learner.

Previously:

• Search For Superintendent Of Waltham Schools Is On
• George Frost To Be Waltham Schools Interim Superintendent
• Waltham Superintendent Echelson Resigns, Takes Job At ...
• Waltham Seeks Superintendent Search Committee Members
• 19 People Applied To Be Superintendent of Waltham Schools

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).