Auburn School Committee interviews Dr. Robert Scaza as superintendent finalist; priorities include safety, staff morale and continuity

AUBURN, Mass. — The Auburn School Committee on Dec. 10 interviewed Dr. Robert Scaza as the finalist for superintendent and pressed him on leadership style, budget choices, labor relations and student supports.

Dr. Robert Scaza, introduced by Chair Jesse Harrington as the candidate for superintendent, opened by describing three decades working with children and 25 years in his current district, saying he is “pleased and honored” to be considered and that education is “in my blood.” He emphasized hands-on leadership, telling the committee his management approach is to be visible in classrooms while relying on principals and central-office systems to set and follow priorities.

Scaza told the panel that integrity and hard work drive his work. “If you work hard and you stand behind who you are and you demonstrate your integrity, that good things will happen,” he said, and added that interpersonal skills are the first trait he seeks when hiring staff.

Committee members focused on several practical tests of leadership. On budgets, member Stephanie Parker asked how he would align spending with district goals and handle revenue shortfalls; Scaza said the strategic plan should root reallocation decisions and that, if cuts were necessary, school safety and student well-being would be top priorities. He referenced Chapter 70 state funding as a significant revenue source and said unfunded priorities should be revisited in later fiscal years.

When asked about responding to an audit finding, Scaza described an immediate review to identify root causes, correcting errors and mitigating harm. “You own it and correct it,” he said, noting he has used municipal finance systems such as Munis.

On labor relations, Scaza said strong relationships with union leadership are “imperative,” described using interest-based bargaining and drew on his teaching background to empathize with classroom challenges. “I take a lot of time...to listen to the perspective of people around the table,” he said.

Scaza also described crisis leadership from his prior district, recounting a bus strike in which he said he ‘‘got out on the streets, and I walked children to school’’ and coordinated with municipal partners, police and public works to ensure students arrived safely.

Committee members asked about communications and social media during moments of public scrutiny. Scaza said he vets messages carefully before sending and would rely on communications staff when needed. He stated plainly, “I’m not on social media. Period.” He added that he would monitor platforms for issues that require a response.

Student representative Piper Doan asked how Scaza would motivate students and ease transitions; Scaza described incentives, end-of-day enrichment offerings and peer-mentor programs he implemented to support anxious students moving between schools.

Several committee members emphasized continuity with current superintendent Dr. Chamberlain’s work, noting the district’s strong communication and staff morale. Scaza said he would spend a transition period learning from Chamberlain and building on existing goals rather than making abrupt changes.

After closing remarks and expressions of thanks from Scaza, Vice Chair Megan McCrillis moved to adjourn; Samantha Refield seconded and the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The committee’s next formal step for selecting a superintendent (expected interviews/decision dates) was not specified during the meeting.