Reading School Superintendent Taking Leave Of Absence

READING, Ma. - Friday was a day of major changes in Reading.

Reading School Superintendent John Doherty said at Thursday's School Committee meeting he will take a leave of absence beginning Friday. His leave of absence begins on the same day Chief of Police Mark Segalla's resignation becomes effective.

Doherty's statement, first reported in the Reading Chronicle, was given at the end of the School Committee meeting.

"Effective at the end of the day tomorrow (June 28), I will be taking a leave of absence from the Reading Public Schools for personal and family responsibilities. In my absence Gail Dowd, our Chief Financial Officer, will be in charge and I have complete confidence in her and the rest of the central office team of Chris Kelley, Jen Stys, and Jen Bove, and the building principals."

He ended saying, "I want to thank the School Committee for their continued support during my leave. I look forward to coming back."

Segalla was put on leave December 22 and his duties have been filled since by Deputy Chief David Clark. Now it's Doherty's turn for a leave of absence that starts during the quiet summer months.