Beverly School Committee votes to seek additional superintendent finalist after candidate dropout

The Beverly Public Schools School Committee held a hybrid meeting on March 26, 2025, focusing on the ongoing search for a new superintendent. The meeting's primary agenda item was to discuss the progress of the superintendent search and to present a slate of finalists for the position.

During the meeting, it was reported that the screening committee had reviewed 17 applications and selected three finalists for the school committee's consideration. However, one candidate declined to move forward, leaving only two candidates for public interviews. This unexpected development raised concerns among committee members about the limited options available for selection.

Several committee members expressed their apprehension regarding the decision to proceed with only two candidates. They highlighted the importance of having a robust pool of candidates to ensure a thorough comparison and selection process. Some members suggested that the screening committee should be directed to identify an additional candidate from the original applicant pool to maintain a stronger selection process.

Despite the concerns, other members defended the screening committee's decision, emphasizing that the two remaining candidates were strong contenders. They argued that the committee had put significant effort into the selection process and that the remaining candidates were capable of fulfilling the superintendent role.

Ultimately, a motion was made to direct the screening committee to present at least one additional finalist from the current pool. The motion was seconded and put to a vote, with members indicating their support for expanding the candidate slate. The outcome of the vote will determine the next steps in the superintendent search process.

This meeting underscores the challenges faced by the Beverly Public Schools in securing a new superintendent and the importance of ensuring a comprehensive selection process to meet the district's leadership needs. The committee's decision to seek additional candidates reflects a commitment to finding the best possible fit for the role.