Scituate School Committee Pauses on Superintendent Search, Opts for “Needs Assessment” First
SCITUATE - December 22, 2025 - In a move to prioritize long-term stability over speed, the Scituate School Committee signaled a shift in its search for a permanent Superintendent. Rather than launching a full-scale search immediately, the Committee plans to commission a “Needs Assessment” to first define the specific leadership profile the district requires.
The Full Story
Following the appointment of Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas Raab earlier this year the Committee needed to consider the best path forward for district leadership. Vice Chair Maria Fenwick and the Committee explored options with the Collins Center at UMass Boston and the Massachusetts Association of School Committees (MASC).
The emerging consensus is to conduct a “Needs Assessment” first—a process estimated to cost under $12,000 and take roughly a month. This process would involve surveying stakeholders (staff, families, students) to build a “candidate profile” and update the Superintendent’s job description.
“I guess essentially what we’re proposing would be... as opposed to jumping two feet into a full-blown search process right now, to take a half step into a needs assessment first... and help us understand like exactly who it is that we... decide is the right profile for Scituate[’s] next phase.” — Maria Fenwick [13:12]
This strategic pause allows the Committee to determine if Dr. Raab fits the newly defined profile or if an external search is necessary, avoiding the “rush” of a standard search timeline.
Bullying Prevention Task Force Launches Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch provided an update on the district’s new Bullying Prevention and Intervention Task Force, which held its kickoff meeting on December 9. The group—comprising educators, counselors, parents, and School Resource Officers—is reviewing VOCAL (Views of Climate and Learning) data and preparing two surveys (one for staff, one for families) to launch in January. The goal is to update the district’s plan to better address modern challenges, including the role of social media and AI.
$5.1 Million in Warrants In financial business, the Committee reviewed substantial warrants, including a single week’s warrant totaling over $5.1 million. The bulk of this expense—$4.5 million—was a payment for the Hatherly building project.
Why It Matters
This decision delays the potential hiring of a permanent Superintendent but aims to prevent a mismatch in leadership. By defining the “need” before finding the “person,” the Committee hopes to avoid the turnover that plagues many districts. For residents, this means the current interim leadership structure will likely continue while the district solicits deep community feedback on what they actually want in a leader.
Official Minutes & Data
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: To accept the school committee minutes from December 8, 2025.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (Voice Vote) [[00:39]]
Motion: To accept the Wayne E. Townsend Trust gift of $1,000 for the music department.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (Voice Vote) [[01:38]]
Motion: To accept the Superintendent’s goals as presented.
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (Voice Vote) [[03:53]]
Motion: To adjourn the meeting (at 7:39 PM).
Outcome: Passed
Vote: Unanimous (Voice Vote) [[34:15]]
Public Comment
Summary: No public comment was offered in person or remotely. [[00:04]]
What’s Next
Needs Assessment Proposal: The Committee will seek detailed quotes and methodology examples from consulting firms.
Special Meeting: A special meeting may be called in January to approve the assessment contract to ensure the process begins before the next regular meeting on January 26.
Budget Process: The Budget Subcommittee is scheduled to convene in mid-January, with a public budget hearing targeted for early February.