Scituate committee approves contract for new director of support, engagement and advocacy

The Scituate School Committee voted to approve the employment contract for Melissa Costa, whom the district introduced March 2 as its first Director of Support, Engagement and Advocacy.

Superintendent Dr. Rob described the multi-stage search process: a 17-member interview committee reviewed 14 applicants, advanced several candidates through first-round interviews and hosted finalists for site visits. Melissa Costa, a licensed clinical social worker with experience in MTSS and Tier One services, spent a day meeting staff, students and community members during a site visit, the superintendent said.

Costa addressed the committee after the introduction, saying she was "excited" to join the district and that she looked forward to beginning the role and supporting adjustment counselors and SEL programming. A committee member moved to approve the employment contract as presented; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the contract by voice vote. Costa said she expects to begin next Monday.

Committee members thanked the search committee and the human-resources lead, Ty Fluger, for conducting a broad and diverse selection process. The superintendent emphasized the role is intended to improve coherence across services, support staff and deepen student supports through MTSS.

Next steps: the district will finalize the contract and prepare for Costa's start date; no additional conditions or vote tallies were specified in the meeting record.