Salem Interim Superintendent Named, Timeline To Fill Permanent Position Set

SALEM, MA — Salem Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Kate Carbone will serve as the district's interim superintendent as the School Committee looks to have a permanent person in the position by the start of the next school year.

Carbone was appointed as deputy superintendent at Monday night's School Committee meeting. She will fill the void created with current Superintendent Steve Zrike leaving the district to become the state Secretary of Education on March 27.

• Salem Superintendent Steve Zrike Named MA Secretary Of Education

Interim Superintendent of Finance and Operations Elizabeth Pauley will serve as deputy superintendent during that time.

Both tenures are set to expire on July 31, when the next permanent superintendent is expected to start.

"We're looking forward to serving in these roles," Carbone said. "We've already started to transition. I want to thank Dr. Zrike because he leaves us in such an exceptional position where things are moving along and he really leaves us on solid footing.

"Big shoes to fill for sure. But we will do this in collaboration as a team, together with our principals and the department heads, both on the teaching and learning side and the operational side. I really believe, together as a team, we can move this district forward.

"Our No. 1 goal — and I keep reminding myself of this — is to ensure that all students and staff have a smooth, productive and enjoyable end of the school year. It's three months and we want to make sure those things happen."

Carbone cited the "big projects that we're going to have to manage in that time" as the budget, the school merger, MCAS, the dual-language expansion, and contract negotiations.

"Dr. Zrike kept us at the table," she said. "We've learned under his leadership, and I feel like we are ready and up for the task."

Salem Mayor and School Committee Chair Dominick Pangallo outlined the timeline to replace Zrike, starting with the posting of the position in March, screening of candidates in April, determination of finalists and public forums in May and June, and the selection of a candidate for appointment by the end of June.

"It is a quick timeline," Pangallo said. "I think everyone recognizes that. I do believe that we're in a position to be able to attract candidates now that will allow us to have a successful search now, rather than waiting a year and a half.

"There is a lot happening. We've got the (new) high school project, the consolidation (of elementary schools), the relocation of the New Liberty School, the start of the strategic plan, the expansion of dual-language ... But this doesn't feel like work that should be the work of an interim superintendent. That's something that we want someone to have ownership of for many years to come."