Malden School Committee approves up to $25,000 to begin superintendent search

The Malden School Committee on Jan. 18 approved, by unanimous roll-call vote, a motion to appropriate up to $25,000 to begin a search for the district's next superintendent. The vote took place at a special session held in the Herbert L. Jackson Council Chamber and virtually.

Mayor Christenson said the appropriation was intended to “get the ball rolling in finding someone to assist with the superintendent search,” adding that past searches and calls to other districts informed the estimate. He said the funds would cover engaging a search organization (citing options such as the Massachusetts Association of School Committees or a UMass Boston-affiliated group), and routine costs such as supplies and copying. “The figure will probably be less than $25,000 but they wanted to play it safe with this figure,” Mayor Christenson said.

Ms. Spadafora, Budget Subcommittee Chair, said she had consulted with the district’s Finance and Operations Director and reviewed costs from the prior superintendent search and consulting providers to confirm funding is available. Ms. Macklin asked whether the appropriation was only to "get the ball rolling" or would be sufficient to hire a firm; Mayor Christenson responded that hiring a firm would be funded from the appropriation as needed.

The committee approved the appropriation on a unanimous roll-call vote. Earlier in the meeting, members voted unanimously to release the executive session minutes of Sept. 11, 2023 and had previously voted to enter executive session at 6:04 p.m. The committee returned to open session at 7:13 p.m. and adjourned at 7:22 p.m.

The meeting record was certified by Clerk Shirley Dorai, who noted that notice of the meeting was filed under Chapter 39, Section 23A of the General Laws.