Three finalists answer student and community questions in Cambridge Public Schools superintendent forum

Carolyn Turk, former deputy superintendent and the mayor’s education liaison, opened a public forum where three finalists for the Cambridge Public Schools superintendent post met with students, caregivers and staff to answer community-submitted questions.

The finalists — Magali Sanchez (chief family advancement officer, Boston Public Schools), Dr. Lorenzo Garcia (assistant superintendent, Revere Public Schools) and David Murphy (interim superintendent, Cambridge Public Schools) — each made opening remarks and responded to questions led by student facilitators from Cambridge Rindge and Latin School. The conversation focused on equity, educator supports, special education, curriculum alignment and school nutrition.

Sanchez emphasized family engagement and aligning operations with instructional priorities, saying her work pairs operational systems with equity-driven instructional leadership. Dr. Garcia highlighted relationship-building and recruiting educators of color and described strategies for differentiated instruction and MTSS. Murphy stressed listening, educator effectiveness and school-leader access to district resources; he also announced a new student advisory council for food services.

Community members and students asked about teacher retention, inclusion of neurodivergent students, language programs, budget alignment and how success would be measured. Candidates described using data-driven approaches, strengthening professional learning and centering student and family voice. No formal action was taken; the forum is one step in the committee’s selection process.