Holliston School Committee selects Dr. Kimo Carter as superintendent in 5–2 vote

The Holliston School Committee voted 5–2 on Feb. 3 to appoint Dr. Kimo Carter as superintendent of Holliston Public Schools, with the appointment to begin July 1, 2026, subject to contract negotiations.

The committee met in a special session devoted to deliberating three finalists produced by the district’s executive search, which the committee said was run in partnership with search firm HwayA. The chair told members the search yielded about 60 recruited candidates, roughly 29 applicants, six semifinalists and three finalists, and that the district received "over 600 responses" to a community survey used to shape the leadership profile.

Committee members who supported Carter cited his emphasis on curriculum, equity, and community trust. "I'd like to recommend doctor Kimo Carter as our next superintendent," one member said during deliberations. Supporters said Carter’s interview and forums showed a collaborative leadership style, a focus on student belonging and the ability to listen and engage with dissenting viewpoints.

Members who favored Jen Parsons highlighted Parsons’ direct superintendent experience and demonstrated capacity to manage budgets and large projects. "For me, Jen Parsons is actually, I think the best candidate to do all of those things," one member said, citing Parsons’ implementation-focused approach and prior school committee service.

The motion to appoint Dr. James Kimo Carter was moved by Dawn and seconded on the floor. The chair conducted a roll-call vote; the committee recorded five votes in favor and two opposed, and the chair announced, "it passes 5 2." After the vote members agreed to make a short recess and the chair reported that Carter had been informed by phone and was "thrilled" and "ready to go."

The committee then approved a short announcement communication to publicize the hire, and immediately moved to enter executive session to discuss strategy related to collective bargaining or litigation and negotiate the incoming superintendent’s contract. The appointment is therefore subject to successful contract negotiations.

Why it mattered: Members framed the choice as a balance between institutional experience and a candidate’s ability to rebuild trust and engage the community. Several members described the decision as one of the most difficult they had made, given the strengths of all three finalists and the coming work on the district’s MSBA-related projects and challenging budgetary outlook.

What’s next: Contract negotiations will be handled in executive session; the committee indicated the appointment will take effect July 1, 2026, pending completion of those negotiations and any required administrative steps.