Malden appoints Sean Salazar as interim representative to Northeast Metro Tech

Sean Salazar was appointed Jan. 28 as Malden's interim representative on the Northeast Metro Tech regional vocational school committee following a special meeting of the Malden School Committee.

The appointment came after two finalists, former long-time committee member Leonard (Lenny) Iovino and CTE instructor Sean Salazar, each gave three-minute opening statements and answered questions about admissions changes, the role of industry partnerships, classroom technology policy and how to balance college- and career-bound pathways. The clerk's roll call produced a 6-3 tally in favor of Salazar; members then voted to make the selection unanimous. The committee asked the city clerk to coordinate swearing-in and onboarding with Northeast Metro Tech.

Bettencourt, who summarized the process the committee followed, said the vacancy arose "due to the unfortunate passing of Mr. James Holland," and explained that city contracts and committee policy require a joint appointment by local school committee and city council representatives to fill an unexpired term. The remaining time on the seat runs to the next regular election in 2028, Bettencourt said.

Iovino, a former Malden School Committee member of many years, said his goal would be to finish the term and keep Malden informed: "My intention is not to seek reelection. It's just to finish Jim's term," he told members. He emphasized stewardship of taxpayer dollars and experience in local education governance.

Salazar, a DESE-licensed career and technical education instructor in hospitality management and culinary arts, described his background in both education and industry oversight, saying his priorities would be "stability, informed oversight, and ensuring Malden students continue to be well served during this transition." He told the committee he has worked with Chapter 74 program frameworks and said he would begin with a listening tour of stakeholders, including city and school leaders, families and students.

Members pressed both candidates on how they would respond to recent changes in vocational-school admissions, which now rely on a lottery in some respects. Salazar said the admissions process is largely administrative but pledged to review its details and improve communication to families so students understand program choices. Both candidates discussed how program advisory committees and industry partners help align vocational offerings with labor-market demand.

On classroom technology, both candidates supported restricting cell-phone use during instruction for safety and learning. Iovino said he was "very much opposed to the use of cell phones in school buildings." Salazar described a no-phone policy in his CTE classes at Everett High School and said AI should be taught and used as a tool with teacher guidance.

Deliberations showed a split among members. Vice Chair Spadafore moved to recommend Iovino, and the motion was seconded by Mister Drummond. During roll call for that motion, several members vocalized either "Lenny Iovino" or "Mister Salazar." The clerk announced the vote as 6 to 3. On a subsequent motion to make the result unanimous, every member present voted yes to confirm Sean Salazar.

Committee members who voiced support for Salazar cited his day-to-day classroom experience and familiarity with Chapter 74 frameworks; those who favored Iovino cited his long service on the Malden School Committee and experience with the city's schools.

Next steps: the committee directed staff to notify the city clerk, who will arrange the swearing-in and coordinate Salazar's transition onto the Northeast Metro Tech board.