Howard Named Superintendent

Lisa Gill Howard has been named the next full-time superintendent of schools. Details will be finalized when negotiations with the School Committee conclude.

On Monday night, the School Committee met and member Gus Martucci made a motion for the word “interim” to be removed from Howard’s title and that she now be known as the full superintendent. The committee voted unanimously to make Howard the new superintendent.

“In the past seven months Superintendent Howard has demonstrated a solid understanding of the school district’s strengths and areas of needed growth,” said School Committee Chairman Tino Capobianco. “She has fully engaged in the management and leadership of our schools as evidenced by detailed reports to the school committee regarding budget updates and planning and facilities, student and staff updates, policy and procedure recommendations, leadership team progress, community engagement happenings and student safety.”

Howard had previously worked in the Winthrop school system as the pupil personnel director and assistant superintendent of schools. Prior to coming back to Winthrop, Howard worked in the Saugus School System in a similar position. A lifelong Winthrop resident, Howard was also a standout athlete.

“Howard’s presence in the school community, at athletic events and school-sponsored activities speaks to her commitment to engaging the life of the school district,” Capobianco said.

Howard is a 1985 graduate of Winthrop High School. She graduated with a degree in education from Boston College, has a master’s degree in education from Salem State and expertise in special education.

“As a committee, we have determined that the initial search process conducted eight months ago resulted in the best outcome for the Town of Winthrop,” Capobianco said.