Marblehead school committee sets superintendent's year-two pay at $221,004.50

The Marblehead School Committee voted 5-0 on June 22 to amend Superintendent John's contract and fix his year-two salary at $221,004.50, the committee chair said. The committee moved the amendment and recorded a unanimous roll-call vote.

The change mirrors a 3% increase already included in the district's FY27 line-item budget, the chair said. Superintendent John told the committee he had reviewed North Shore superintendent salary data and that the 2025-26 average across 17 districts was about $246,000; a 3% rise would bring the average to about $253,000, he said, leaving his compensation roughly $32,000 below that regional average even after the amendment. John also noted he is finishing his 10th year as superintendent and recently completed a PhD.

Committee members characterized the decision as largely administrative because the budget already provides the 3% increase. One member recommended taking a data-driven approach to compensation during the next budget cycle so the committee is not forced to act after-the-fact.

Melissa moved the amendment and Henry seconded it, and the chair conducted a roll-call vote: Al, Anne Marie, Henry, Melissa and Kate voted in favor. The chair said she will work with legal to finalize the written addendum to the contract and Superintendent John said the addendum is ready for signature.

The committee entered further business after the vote and later moved into executive session to discuss collective bargaining with the Marblehead Education Association (Unit A).