HANSON — January 7, 2026 — The Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee officially reset its leadership strategy on Wednesday, welcoming Dr. John Marcus as Acting Superintendent and voting to launch a search for an Interim Superintendent to lead the district through June 2027. The decision signals a desire for stability over speed following the recent departure of Jeff Szymaniak.
The Full Story
In his first appearance before the committee as Acting Superintendent, Dr. John Marcus—formerly the principal of Duval Elementary—acknowledged the turbulent climate but struck an optimistic tone. Marcus, who stepped into the role just days ago, described his immediate focus as “stabilizing the ship” while managing three simultaneous budget cycles.
Marcus emphasized that despite administrative changes, the core mission remains in the classrooms. “I’ve seen great things happening in classrooms... that is the work. The rest of this is noise that makes that work harder,” he said.
“The community is calling out for a sense of joy, of exploration, of kindness, of deep respect, and a renewed sense of pride.” — Dr. John Marcus, Acting Superintendent [00:14:11]
The Search for Stability While Marcus manages the day-to-day, the Committee voted unanimously to partner with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC) to find an Interim Superintendent to serve a longer term—likely from July 2026 through June 2027.
MASC representative Sean Costello advised against rushing into a permanent search immediately. He noted that starting a full search in January often yields a smaller candidate pool. Instead, he recommended hiring a seasoned interim leader for 18 months. This timeline allows the district to stabilize its finances and culture before seeking a permanent superintendent in the fall of 2026, when the candidate field is typically strongest.
“You need someone who can come in and really right the ship... and set the table for the next person,” Costello explained.
A subcommittee comprising Chair Ryan Tressel, Vice Chair TJ Roffey, and former Chair Beth Stafford was formed to oversee this interim search. They aim to hold public forums in late January to gather community input on what qualities residents want in their next leader.
Middle School Financing In other business, the committee briefly addressed the financing for the new middle school. Facing a March deadline for a $30 million Bond Anticipation Note (BAN), the committee voted unanimously to enter an Intermunicipal Agreement (IMA) with the Town of Whitman. This procedural move allows the town to issue bonds on the district’s behalf to secure a lower interest rate. Separate from the agreement, the debt authorization now moves to the Whitman Special Town Meeting on Monday for final approval.
Why It Matters
For parents and staff, this decision removes the uncertainty of a rushed hiring process. By opting for a long-term interim (18 months), the district minimizes the risk of “candidate remorse” and gains time to fix its structural deficits without the pressure of onboarding a permanent leader immediately.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To partner with MASC to search for an Interim Superintendent (target term through FY27).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Motion: To create a search subcommittee (Tressel, Roffey, Stafford).
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Motion: To approve the IMA with the Town of Whitman for middle school bonding.
Outcome: Passed Unanimously
Public Comment
Jen Robach (Whitman): Voiced concern over the “cloud” of financial deficits hanging over the schools and requested clarity on whether athletic deficits were included in the budget gaps.
Mary Fox (Whitman): Urged the committee to improve communication with the average resident, suggesting members “stop in Dunkin Donuts” to hear what the community is actually saying.
What’s Next
Community Input: The new subcommittee will schedule public forums (late Jan/early Feb) to hear what residents want in an interim leader.
Bond Vote: Whitman voters attend Special Town Meeting this Monday to finalize the bond authorization.
Source Video: Whitman-Hanson Educational Channel