David DeRuosi is the new superintendent of Saugus schools.
BY BRIDGET TURCOTTE
SAUGUS — David DeRuosi is the new superintendent of Saugus Public Schools.
The school committee voted 4-1 in favor of DeRuosi. Elizabeth Marchese was the sole vote against.
DeRuosi, superintendent of Malden Public Schools, holds a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Committee member Linda Gaieski said DeRuosi “Appears to be the total package and meets every qualification with his strong skillset and problem solving and conflict resolution skills.”
Gaieski said she’s confident he will be able to handle the Saugus High School building project. She characterized him as a “straight shooter with a common touch” and a good sense of humor.
Matthew Malone was chosen as interim superintendent last year, following the resignation of former superintendent Michael Tempesta.
Malone resigned unexpectedly, which led to Michael Hashem, the Saugus High School principal, stepping in to fill his shoes.
A sub-committee of 21 members was formed to find a permanent fill for the position. The other candidates included two former superintendents: Patricia Lally, of Holbrook Public Schools; John Macero, of Winthrop Public Schools; and Carla Scuzzarella, principal of North Andover High School.
Committee member Arthur Grabowski said all four candidates would have been suitable choices for the job. But DeRuosi is the best fit.
“They are all great candidates, but at this point in time Dr. DeRuosi is what we need to move our schools forward,” Grabowski said. “We have a great leadership team here in Saugus that he’ll be able to work with.”
Other committee members agreed.
“It is clear to me that any one of those candidates could have stepped into this role, however, Dr. DeRuosi appears to have the most direct, sustained, successful experience,” said committee member Peter Manoogian. “Plus, he meets the criteria established by the focus groups.”
DeRuosi is expected to start on July 1, pending contract approvals. At that time, Hashem will return to his position as principal of Saugus High School.
Bridget Turcotte can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @BridgetTurcotte.