The Scituate School Committee convened on Tuesday evening to navigate a pivotal leadership transition following the announced retirement and medical leave of Superintendent Burkehead. Committee Chair Nicole Brandolini opened the session with a statement of gratitude for the outgoing leader's efforts, noting that the committee would like to thank Superintendent Burkehead for his leadership in our district through the CO 19 pandemic, through numerous capital and operational improvements, and in laying the foundation for future academic success for our students. To ensure a smooth transition through the end of the fiscal year on June 30, 2026, the committee deliberated between two internal leaders to fill the interim vacancy while a permanent search launches this winter.

Before turning to personnel matters, Janice Lindblom offered a lighthearted correction to recent athletic reports, celebrating the success of the high school's fall season. I neglected to mention the boys golf team is undefeated; they’re seven and 0, Lindblom shared, jokingly adding, I had what you might call a brain fart where I saw a low score and thought, "Oh my god, they keep losing." But they keep winning. The committee noted that across the board, from clubs to youth sports, the student body is enjoying a highly successful start to the academic year.

The core of the meeting focused on whether to appoint Assistant Superintendent Ryan Lynch or Director of Business and Finance Thomas Raab to the interim role. Vice Chair Maria Fenwick argued that while both are highly qualified, Lynch’s current work on curriculum instruction is in a "fragile" state that requires his undivided attention. It feels to me as though Tom is a little bit more replaceable, Fenwick noted, clarifying that she meant it was easier to find short-term help for budget and finance than for the specific curriculum work Lynch has pioneered. I just think we want someone who is—we want Ryan’s focus and kind of I would just hate to shake that foundation, Fenwick added.

Member Peter Gates voiced strong support for Raab, citing his "boots on the ground" leadership regarding the Hatherly school building project. Gates emphasized that Raab has been an excellent partner in managing the safety of students and staff during construction, stating, he’s really been someone who’s been able to direct the district in a very clear and concise way that has just been excellent. Gates also agreed that Lynch should remain focused on instruction rather than being bogged down by operational aspects. I fully support Tom, Gates concluded, I just want to make sure that we have an understanding of what the expectation of the interim is. That's I think that Tom would satisfy that perfectly.

Following the discussion, the committee voted to appoint Raab to the position, effective September 17. Motion Made by Maria Fenwick to "approve Tom Raab as the interim superintendent." Motion Passed 4-0. The committee then moved to enter a non-public session to discuss personnel strategy. Motion Made by Maria Fenwick to "exit open session at 6:15 for reason number two, which is to conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations for non-union personnel." Motion Passed 4-0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:15 p.m.