The Scituate School Committee is opting for a more measured approach to leadership transitions, signaling a move toward a formal "needs assessment" before launching a comprehensive superintendent search. During Monday’s meeting, which followed an executive session regarding personnel matters, Vice Chair Maria Fenwick proposed a four-to-six-week process involving outside consultants to create a candidate profile and modernize the job description.

"As opposed to jumping two feet into a full-blown search process right now, we are proposing to take a half-step into a needs assessment first," Fenwick explained. She noted that this assessment would involve stakeholder surveys and focus groups to determine the specific technical skills and personal style required for the district’s next phase. The committee is currently vetting firms such as the Collins Center at UMass Boston and the First Beacon Group to lead the effort.

Carey Borkoski expressed caution regarding the methodology used by potential consulting firms. "I want to make sure whoever we go with has a good sense of what is the right data to collect to get those answers," Borkoski noted, adding that she wants to see research-based frameworks that define a healthy district. "You could collect all sorts of data and not get that [answer]."

Chair Nicole Brandolini emphasized the need to balance data collection with the community’s time, especially as other district surveys are slated for early next year. "We don’t want to over-survey. We don’t want to inundate people with inquiry," Brandolini said. The committee intends to review specific quotes and methodologies from consulting firms at a potential special meeting in January to avoid falling behind the typical hiring cycle. Janice Lindblom advocated for urgency, stating, "I do not want to be waiting until January 26 to even like... why don’t we just think about a special meeting so we don’t lose the entire [hiring window]."

Earlier in the meeting, Interim Superintendent Thomas Raab presented his finalized leadership goals, which now include embedded public links to data benchmarks and an advisory group for the new Director of Student Support, Engagement, and Advocacy. Motion made by Janice Lindblom to accept the superintendent goals as presented. Motion Passed (5-0). Raab noted that 14 applications have already been received for the new director position, with interviews scheduled for January.

Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch provided an update on the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan Task Force, which held its kickoff on December 9. Lynch announced that the district will launch staff and family surveys in January to gather data on school climate and safety. "We see that social media and AI have more of a role [in bullying]," Lynch said. "I think it’s important that we check in with our families and our staff on what their most recent experiences are."

Member Peter Gates highlighted the value of the upcoming profile-building process for the superintendent role. "I think it’s important to identify like what our needs are and what will make a successful candidate, one that we already have," Gates said.

The committee also gratefully accepted a $1,000 donation from the Wayne E. Townsend Trust for the music department. Motion made by Maria Fenwick that we accept the Wayne E. Town gift of $1,000 with great appreciation. Motion Passed (5-0). In financial matters, the committee approved warrants including a $5.1 million package, of which $4.5 million is a payment toward the athletic building fund.

The meeting concluded with community announcements, including the Scituate Education Foundation’s annual Polar Plunge at Peggy Beach on January 1st. The meeting was adjourned at 7:39 PM.