Marblehead Schools Appoints John Robidoux As Interim Superintendent

MARBLEHEAD, MA — The Marblehead School Committee on Thursday voted unanimously on the selection of Swansea Superintendent John Robidoux as the next district superintendent.

The question now is: For how long?

The School Committee decided this winter to pursue a one-year interim superintendent for the second straight year after Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness declined to be a candidate for the permanent position and time grew short in a crowded calendar to do a full search.

(Also on Patch: Get To Know Marblehead Interim Superintendent Finalist John Robidoux)

Robidoux emerged as the lone finalist in recent weeks after fellow finalist Hingham Interim Director of Student Services Barbara Cataldo notified Chair Sarah Fox that she was staying in that district another year. School Committee members traveled to Swansea two weeks ago for a site visit with Robidoux and his colleagues, then hosted him on an in-district day on Monday, before returning to open meeting Thursday night and unanimously supporting his appointment pending successful contract negotiations.

"I think he would be a great add," School Committee member Alison Taylor said. "There's not one question in my mind about it. I loved his approach. I loved his demeanor. I loved his mannerisms. I really felt he had taken the time to watch some of our meetings and understand details of things that were happening here in Marblehead.

"Personally, I feel that sets him apart from so many other candidates that we've seen. I think that's such a wonderful trait. I feel that it shows that he truly cares."

In a bit of a surprise twist, the School Committee also voted to explore a two-year agreement with Robidoux to give him more time to execute the duties of the job and have an impact in the district without facing a permanent successor search that would need to begin within months.

"I do want to make sure this is something that he also is interested in," Fox noted of the two-year possibility. "Because we want to make sure that is what he is looking for. (A one-year term) is what we advertised for and we should follow through on that if that is his will."

Fox said she intended to contact Robidoux with offer and two-year possibility later Thursday night.

School Committee member Jennifer Schaeffner noted that during the two years the Committee could then decide whether to also enter negotiations with Robidoux as the permanent successor to John Buckey, who negotiated an abrupt departure from the job with the School Committee last summer.

Robidoux has been in the Swansea school district for the past 19 years — including the last eight as superintendent.

"We're looking for stability," School Committee member Brian Ota said. "He's demonstrated that at his previous spot."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)