School Committee Approves New Superintendent's Contract

FOXBOROUGH, MA — On Jan. 1, school officials expect the simplest of transitions to take place when Assistant Superintendent Amy Berdos loses the assistant part of her job title.

The school committee voted Monday night to approve Berdos' contract to become next superintendent of the Foxborough Public Schools. Current Superintendent Debra Spinelli is retiring Dec. 31. Berdos was chosen by the school committee over the summer to be the next superintendent.

Like Spinelli, Berdos came to Foxborough in 2011. She spent 15 years in Norton prior to coming to Foxborough. Originally an applicant for the principal position at the Taylor Middle School, she was later recommended for her current position.

Berdos' contract runs for 3.5 years and comes with a salary of $177,000, a comparative salary for new superintendents in the area with similar experience, according to the committee. She will be eligible for raises with her performance reviews.

"We wanted to recognize her doctorate experience. We wanted to give her an opportunity to demonstrate the leadership we know she’s going to bring to the district. I think together that was a fair number at which to start," committee Chairman Bruce Gardner said.

Committee member Marilyn Weiss said many teachers she's spoken to are excited to see Berdos become superintendent, with Gardner adding that they have gotten positive feedback districtwide.

"We are very fortunate in this district to have cultivated internal leadership candidates. I think we are fortunate that other district didn’t grab Amy, and I look forward to what the future holds," Gardner said.

Berdos said she looks forward to continuing the progress made with Spinelli at the helm.

"It is the work of many and it’s from having the leadership at the top with Debbie. We have a great culture here and a district of excellence and I feel privileged to take that lead and continue the work," Berdos said.

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