After one finalist withdraws, committee directs screening group to add at least one more candidate

The Beverly School Committee on March 26 voted to ask its screening committee to return with at least one additional finalist for the superintendent search after one of three finalists declined to participate in the public stage.

Mayor William Cahill, who chaired the screening process, told the committee the screening panel had reviewed 17 applications, interviewed eight semifinalists and selected a slate of three finalists to present to the full committee. After the slate was shared, one finalist informed the search facilitator they would not move forward.

"From that slate, two candidates have agreed to move forward in the public interview process, and one candidate has declined to move forward," the chair said as the committee discussed next steps.

Committee members debated whether to accept two finalists or direct the screening committee to provide another name from the existing pool. Supporters of adding an additional finalist said more finalists would give the public and committee a broader selection. Opponents said the screening committee had already done the work and had chosen an intentionally narrow group.

A motion to "direct the screening committee to put forward at least one additional finalist from the current pool" was made, seconded and approved by a 5–2 vote. The committee and its MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees) facilitator said finalists will appear for district‑in‑day visits and public interviews the week of April 16; committee members were asked to hold interview slots that week.

Committee members emphasized confidentiality of the screening process and said additional materials and logistics would be communicated to committee members and to stakeholders once the screening committee returns with its slate.