Rejected School Biz Manager Won't Return to Big Blue

He had his contract with Marblehead schools thrown out amid controversy, and now Brian Salzer won't be getting back his old job as Swampscott High School principal either.

"He is definitely not coming back," said Swampscott Superintendent Dr. Lynne Celli.

Celli has spoken with Salzer, but wouldn't comment on whether he asked to return to Swampscott High.

"It's more complicated than that," she said. "I recognize his skills, but he's really more interested in being a central office administrator."

Salzer resigned from Swampscott this spring after signing a contract with Marblehead Superintendent Dr. Paul Dulac to become the schools' new business manager.

However, the Marblehead School Committee never approved the deal, which awarded Salzer a salary of $125,000 -- much higher than the $103,000 budgeted for the job.

The committee learned about the hiring in press reports and later threw out the contract in a unanimous vote.  The committee re-opened negotiations with Salzer, but then announced it would renew its search for other candidates.

"It's a matter of being able to work within our budget," committee Chairwoman Patricia Blackmer said at the time. "We need to be financially responsible."

On Thursday, acting Marblehead Superintendent Robert Bellucci refused comment on concerns that Salzer may seek legal recourse against Marblehead.

"Brian will need to do what he needs to do," Bellucci said. "Right now, there's no need for a response on our part." 

Superintendent Dulac is out on medical leave. Salzer could not be reached for comment.