Braintree School Committee interviews three superintendent finalists; focus on literacy, ELL support, MTSS and facilities

The Braintree School Committee on Monday, Jan. 13 interviewed three finalists for superintendent in Cahill Auditorium, asking each candidate nine preplanned questions in identical 55‑minute sessions.

Why it matters: the committee’s selection will shape district priorities on literacy, support for English‑language learners, special education screening, capital projects and budgeting during the coming school year. The committee said it will make a final appointment at its next meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16 at Colbert.

All three candidates emphasized classroom observation and data as the starting point for change. Robert Perretta, a finalist who currently works outside the district, said his first step would be to “focus[] on all the good that is currently happening in Braintree” and to pair that asset‑based view with an instructional focus. “Teaching and learning is really our core business,” Perretta said, adding that he would lean on a “strong instructional lens” and on building trust with staff and community as early priorities.

Mister McDonald, the principal of Hollis Elementary School and a 25‑year Braintree educator, pointed to local programs he credited with stronger early reading outcomes at Hollis and stressed community relationships and outreach to families with limited English. “I have relationships with families. Right? That is what I love about my job,” McDonald said, and described school‑level practices — data teams, time‑allotment schedules, and targeted small‑group instruction — that he said produced higher STAR and DIBELS results at Hollis.

The third finalist, who identified himself as an experienced superintendent and provided a written transition plan in his candidate folder, highlighted prior experience managing budgets and capital‑project crises and said that core superintendent skills are…