School Committee Offers David DeRuosi Top Job in Malden Schools

In a 6-3 vote, the School Committee decided to offer Revere Assistant Superintendent David DeRuosi the Malden Superintendent job. The vote came after a tumultuous 24 hours where a finalist withdrew her name for consideration after delaying her interview by two weeks.

Last-Minute Withdrawal Shook Up Schedule

Lowell Superintendent Chris Scott, one of three finalists selected by the superintendent search committee, had been scheduled for an interview following Monday night's school committee meeting, but withdrew her candidacy late on Sunday night.

Scott, also a superintendent finalist in Cleveland, had been scheduled to interview for the position on May 24, but cancelled the night prior to her interview.

Initially, the committee had planned on selecting a superintendent by Monday’s meeting in order to prepare for the June 30 departure of current superintendent Sidney Smith, but chose to delay their decision to accommodate Scott.

The committee was informed of Scott's withdrawal Monday morning, and an amended agenda for Monday night's meeting included a vote to make an appointment. Scott’s withdrawal left two candidates: , a counselor at Beebe School, and , an Assistant Superintendent in Revere.

Questions About Open Meeting Law

The impromptu vote caused some reluctance for some committee members. Committee member Leonard Iovino said he was impressed by both candidates, but needed a day or two to think about his decision.

"I would like at least another day or so to sleep on this decision it’s a very important decision," said Iovino. "Both candidates are deserving of the job, both are fine gentlemen, and I need time to digest all that.”

Committee member Stephen Winslow was concerned about conducting a vote without alerting the public first.

Despite these concerns, other committee members said that time was an issue and that this had been the date they'd initially chosen to make a decision. The committee voted to make their selection that evening.

DeRuosi Nominated

Committee members Steven Ultrino and Kevin Duffy referenced the number of people, including the mayor of Revere, who praised DeRuosi during a site visit to the Revere Public Schools.

"We met with three different groups of about 12 people and I felt like I had a very good opportunity to meet people that knew them best and through their discussion of him and characterization of him, I feel I know exactly what kind of candidate he would be and what kind of superintendent he would be," said Duffy.

Committee member Adam Weldai added that although both candidates impressed him, he thought DeRuosi’s leadership skills and background in conflict resolution made him the right choice.

A motion to appoint David DeRuosi was placed on the table and passed, 6-3. Committee members Kevin Casucci, John Froio, and Iovino represented the dissenting votes.

The school committee will have to work out the details of a contract with DeRuosi before the appointment is finalized. Committee members Ultrino and Duffy expressed their desire to secure a five-year contract with DeRuosi, rather than the traditional three-year pact, in order to provide continuity to the school district.