By Kate Anslinger
After narrowing down a pool of 47 applicants, the Stoneham School Committee announced four finalists, and Winthrop School Superintendent John Macero is one of them.
Along with Macero, the four other candidates who will vie for the prestigious position are: Superintendent of Holliston Public Schools, Dr. Brad Jackson; Lexington’s Fiske Elementary School Principal, Thomas Martellone; and Superintendent of Wareham Public School, Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood.
Over the next few weeks, candidates will undergo intensive interviews and the selected candidate will be appointed on March 2.
The Stoneham Superintendent Screening Committee is made up of 15 individuals with various backgrounds, including members of the Stoneham School Committee, the high school principal, the Town Administrator, the high school librarian, the Middle School Secretary, the Director of Athletics and Physical Education, teachers, residents, students and parents.
“I have very mixed feelings about the possibility of leaving Winthrop, but if chosen this would be a wonderful opportunity,†said Macero, who would start the position on July 1 if selected. This is the second time in the past year that Macero has been a Superintendent candidate for another community. He was a finalist for the position of Saugus Public Schools in early 2016.
Macero has been a resident of Winthrop since 1992.
“I always wish our employees well if they are looking to better themselves either financially and/or professionally, however; the School Committee needs to remain focused and continue to create a budget tahat avoids any and all layoffs and higher class sizes for next year,†said School Committee member Valentino Capobianco. “We will be prepared to fill any vacancies in the School Department.â€