Interim Superintendent Interviews Tonight and Wednesday
At their June 7 meeting, the School Committee voted to appoint Dr Mary Ann DeMello the Acting Superintendent for July 1 to July 31, 2012. They also voted at that time to move forward with a search for an Interim Superintendent for the 2012-13 School Year. The Interim Superintendent Search Screening Committee has identified three candidates for further consideration by the School Committee. The six member Screening Committee included representation from the School Committee, the Hopkinton Public Schools administrative office, and building level administration. The Screening Committee reviewed the resumes of 17 applicants for this position, two of whom later withdrew from consideration. At the conclusion of its review, the Interim Superintendent Search Screening Committee put forth the following slate of candidates (in alphabetical order) to the School Committee for further consideration:
Mr. Dennis Duquette holds a Master’s in Education from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Siena College in New York. He served as the Superintendent of RSU #16 in Maine, and prior to that position, held various principal and assistant principal posts. He began his career in education as a social studies and language arts teacher. His early career in the private sector includes extensive experience in sales operations management.
Dr. Steven Hiersche holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Sarasota. He also holds Master of Education in Secondary Administration and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Westfield State College. He was recently the Superintendent for Framingham Public Schools, and previously served as Superintendent for Watertown and Plymouth Public Schools, as well as the Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union in Vermont. Prior to those positions, Dr. Hiersche held various principal and assistant principal posts. He began his career as a mathematics teacher in Enfield, CT.
Dr. Mary Ellen Johnson holds a Doctor of Organizational Leadership degree from Columbia University, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Antioch University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Delta State University in Mississippi. She has previously served as Superintendent for Sandwich Public Schools, and for the New York City Board of Education. Prior to those positions, Dr. Johnson held various curriculum director and principal posts. She began her career as a teacher in the Boston and Brookline Public Schools.
The School Committee will interview the semi-finalists during televised working sessions at the Middle School Library tonight and Wednesday. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or watch on HCAM-TV (Comcast Channel 8, Verizon Channel 30, Streaming Live www.hcam.tv). The interview dates and times are:
Monday, July 9
7:30pm Mr. Duquette
8:30pm Dr. Hiersche
Wednesday, July 11
7:30pm Dr. Johnson
The HPS administrative team will have the opportunity to meet with the finalists prior to the School Committee’s selection. The School Committee plans to announce its selected candidate for the position of Interim Superintendent of Schools at its scheduled working session on July 18, 2012.