33 People Apply For Peabody School Superintendent Job

PEABODY, MA—More than three dozen people are hoping to become the next superintendent for Peabody Public Schools.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt told The Salem News that the city has received 33 applications for the superintendent position. He along with the school committee plan to narrow that number down to just a handful when it comes time to conduct interviews.

"It's a very strong group of candidates," he told the newspaper — made up of current superintendents, assistant superintendents and school principals. "I'm glad that we got so many applicants. It shows people are interested in our district."

Interviews for the position will occur the week of March 16, the newspaper reported. Once the finalists are chosen, site visits and further public meetings with stakeholder groups will be held.

In December, Peabody Public Schools named Dr. Marc Kerble, who retired as superintendent of Newburyport Public Schools in 2013, interim superintendent. Kerble took over for Cara Murtagh, who died unexpectedly in November 2019.

Officials said they hope to fill the superintendent position permanently by July 1.