Medford School Committee appoints Dr. Suzanne Galusi as superintendent after unanimous vote

The Medford School Committee voted unanimously on Feb. 2 to appoint Dr. Suzanne Galusi as the district’s next superintendent, with the motion made by Member Graham and seconded by Member Olapade. The vote, taken by roll call, was 7 in favor and 0 opposed.

Committee members cited a year of demonstrated leadership by Galusi during an interim term and recent evaluation results as the basis for appointing her rather than conducting an external search. Member Graham said the district faced “one of the most pivotal teacher contracts” and a major high‑school project and favored entering negotiations immediately to avoid disrupting momentum. Member Parks told the committee that outreach and a review of communications showed “83% think that she should be appointed immediately, so, without a search.” Member Parks also noted practical risks and costs of running an external search, saying a comprehensive search can cost “anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 or more.”

Opponents of an immediate appointment were not recorded in the meeting; several members acknowledged some community members prefer a formal search on principle but said the current leadership and ongoing MSBA work made appointment the better option now. The committee adopted an amendment earlier in the meeting allowing the superintendent to make non‑substantive edits to the Medford High School educational plan prior to final submission.

After the vote, Dr. Galusi thanked the committee. “I am very humbled,” she said, adding she was “honored” to lead formally and that she intends to continue efforts on communication, academic coherence and community engagement.

The appointment is contingent on successful contract negotiations; the committee did not set a separate effective date during the meeting. The next regular School Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 9, 2026, at the Alden Chambers and on Zoom.