Holliston School Committee interviews James Kimo Carter, finalist for superintendent

James Kimo Carter, a candidate for superintendent, told the Holliston School Committee on Jan. 30 that he was impressed by the district after touring its schools and meeting students, staff and families and that he sees opportunity to build on existing strengths. "Holliston has so much going for it. It is on the cusp in my opinion, it's on the cusp of becoming a world class school district," Carter said, opening the interview.

Carter framed communication and transparency as first priorities. He said effective communication begins with listening and that predictable, multi‑level channels (central office notices, principal weekly updates and teacher communications) help build trust. "One of the skills that I do ... is face to face dialogue. There's no substitute," he said, citing a district newsletter model and predictable principal communications as examples.

On safety, equity and recent hate incidents he described in his current district, Carter recounted a series of antisemitic and racist graffiti incidents and the district’s response: denouncing the acts, convening assemblies and advisory lessons, offering counseling and opening a broad…