PHOTO BY BOB ROCHE
New Saugus Superintendent David DeRuosi thinks highly of the town’s school system.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — Newly-elected superintendent David DeRuosi said the Saugus Public Schools are underrated.
“I have to go out as a superintendent and change the perception of the education system,” he said. “I see myself being an educator that gets out into the town and brings the good things to the forefront.”
Still, DeRuosi has some work to do. Last year, the state Department of Education’s report card on Saugus High School ranked it Level 3, among the lowest performing 20 percent of schools.
“I hope to come in and be able to put all the pieces together and move the district forward,” he said. “Saugus is in a good place. I think it’s ready, as a town, to really make significant gains.”
DeRuosi, who will begin his term in July, was introduced at Thursday’s school committee meeting.
He is completing his fifth year as superintendent of Malden Public Schools. He holds a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts at Boston.
At a previous meeting, committee member Linda Gaieski praised DeRuosi as “a straight shooter with a common touch.”
The hire will end a year-long game of musical chairs in the superintendent’s office.
Matthew Malone was chosen as interim superintendent last year, following the resignation of former superintendent Michael Tempesta. Malone left unexpectedly, which led to Michael Hashem, the Saugus High School principal, filling the vacancy.
DeRuosi said he expects to be in Saugus for a while.
“With most of my jobs, I commit and I’m in for several years,” he said. “I lived in Saugus for 20 years. I have an understanding of the community and the town. I feel like it’s a good fit right now. It’s a good match.”
While DeRuosi moved from Saugus five years ago, he still has family, his dentist and chiropractor in town.
His daughters, Ashley and Brittany, attended Saugus Public Schools. One went on to attend Merrimack College and the other Endicott College.
“They both did great and had good college careers,” DeRuosi said. “I feel that the foundation they got in Saugus public schools helped them significantly.”
Starting this summer, DeRuosi said he will get to know residents, town officials and teachers to better understand their needs and concerns.
“My job is to ask questions to really see where Saugus wants to be, and take what everybody tells me to building a plan,” he said. “Looking at building a new school complex is big. That’s something that doesn’t just happen overnight.”
But building the new school will only be a part of improving the district, he said. He also plans to help resolve problems including classroom sizes and the school budget.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.