HANSON - January 1 - Jeff Szymaniak has stepped down as Superintendent of Schools for the Whitman-Hanson Regional School District after seven and a half years leading the district, with Dr. John Marcus, principal of Duval Elementary School, assuming the role of Acting Superintendent effective January 1, 2026.
The Full Story
According to a SchoolStatus alert by the District, Szymaniak relinquished his day-to-day duties at the end of December 2025, concluding a tenure that spanned major district initiatives and unprecedented challenges. His departure comes at a critical time for the district, which is currently managing a $1.43 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year resulting in mid year staffing reductions.
During his time as superintendent, Szymaniak oversaw the implementation of full-day, free kindergarten and strengthened the district’s social-emotional learning supports by ensuring that every school had at least one adjustment counselor. He guided the district through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw the planning and initial building stages of the new Whitman Middle School project.
Szymaniak was also a strong advocate for students with disabilities and students who learn differently, helping to ensure that these students had access to an alternative diploma option through the high school’s Community Evening School.
Before becoming superintendent, Szymaniak served as Principal of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School from 2010 to 2018, giving him more than 15 years of leadership experience within the district.
Dr. John Marcus brings significant administrative experience to the interim role. He most recently served as principal of Duval Elementary School in the Whitman-Hanson district. Prior to joining Whitman-Hanson, Marcus served as Superintendent of Stoughton Public Schools from 2019 to 2021, where he led the district through the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw initiatives including a new elementary school building project.
Marcus has also previously worked as Assistant Superintendent in Sharon Public Schools and holds degrees from Tufts University and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
With Dr. Marcus taking an acting role, the Whitman-Hanson Regional School Committee will need to conduct a search for a permanent superintendent.
Why It Matters
This leadership transition comes during a challenging period for the district, which has seen School Committee leadership changes, spending freezes, and mid year staff reductions address a significant deficit. The appointment of an experienced administrator already familiar with the district’s operations provides stability during this transition.