Board acknowledges superintendent's resignation; pledges smooth transition and continued work on reconfiguration and full-day kindergarten

The School District of the Chathams Board of Education acknowledged Superintendent Dr. Lasusa's recent announcement that he will leave the district and said it has begun planning for a leadership transition while maintaining ongoing initiatives.

Board President Anne Ciccarelli (sworn in earlier in the meeting) opened the public session's remarks by thanking Dr. Lasusa for nearly 24 years of service and said the board has launched a comprehensive plan to identify and select the next district leader. "The Board of Education is committed to ensuring a smooth transition," Ciccarelli said at the reorganization meeting, adding that the district is "well prepared and strategically positioned to navigate this change while maintaining momentum on key initiatives such as the grade level reconfiguration and the shift to full day kindergarten."

Ciccarelli said the board will keep the community informed about the search process and will collaborate closely with Dr. Lasusa and the incoming superintendent once a candidate is chosen. Dr. Lasusa is scheduled to remain with the district for a limited time to assist with transition work, the board said.

Public commenters, including several school staff and parents who addressed the board during the public comment portion, praised Dr. Lasusa's leadership and wished him well. In public remarks, school administrators and teachers described the superintendent's tenure as marked by initiatives such as district mindfulness and staff retreats, and by operational decisions that guided the district through the COVID era.

No formal timeline or final effective separation date for the superintendent was specified during the meeting. The board indicated it has begun the selection process and will update the community when decisions are made.