What's The Latest On Natick's Search For A Superintendent?

NATICK, MA — Natick Public Schools Superintendent Anna Nolin will be leaving the district at the end of the 2022-2023 school year. This much is known in the district.

What's left to be determined is who will replace Nolin, and how the search for Nolin's replacement will all unfold.

However, it appears there will be some clarity on that front in the coming days.

According to letters to the school community from the Natick School Committee, a task force has been established to determine the qualities, qualifications and processes needed to in the next superintendent.

The committee said they've gone on a 10-day listening tour across the district to hear thoughts and opinions from "key district leaders". These people include central office administrators, department leads, building principals and union leadership, in addition to local political fixtures with whom the district works closely with.

The listening tour began sometime around March 10, and the task force is set to recommend a process to the full School Committee for selecting the interim before the end of the month.

There are a few meetings of the committee scheduled for this week, including a special meeting that is slated to host a review of the interim superintendent process. That meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

"We know that it is critical that we move quickly to secure an interim superintendent for the 2023-24 school year," the letter read.

"The task force is working closely with Director of Human Resources Suzanne Kenney to ensure we are working within a timeline that will result in a successful process and selection."

That means that, as soon as this week, Natick families will know what principles and qualities the district is looking for to fill Nolin's shoes for at least the time being. Still, it will likely take some time to determine her replacement for the 2023-2024 school year.

Anna Nolin's Departure

Natick Superintendent Anna Nolin was selected by the Newton School Committee as their next superintendent by a unanimous vote in February according to a news release from the district.

“We are thrilled to invite Dr. Nolin to join the Newton Public Schools as our next superintendent. Her values as a data-driven leader focused on improving outcomes for all students align perfectly with the mission of the Newton Public Schools,” said Tamika Olszewski, Chair of the Newton School Committee.

“We deeply appreciate her commitment to developing a strategic vision for our district that articulates the strength and skills we want for both our staff and our students.”
Nolin is expected to join the district on July 1, which is conditional on "successful contract negotiations," the district said.

Nolin served as interim superintendent in March 2018 before the interim tag was removed in December of that same year.

During her tenure, she's acquired grant funds for the district and guided Natick through the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also named the president of the New England Association of Superintendents in 2018.

In 2021, she was also at the helm when the School Committee voted to close Johnson Elementary School by 2025.

Read more: Natick Superintendent Chosen For Same Role In Newton