The California elementary school principal held the same post in Northampton for several years.
Suzanne ScallionWESTFIELD – A successful schools superintendent should advocate for students; energize them; inform parents and the community; communicate goals, initiatives and progress; and operate in transparency, said the last candidate to be interviewed for the job Saturday.
Suzanne Scallion, an elementary school principal in Napa, Calif., with roots in Massachusetts, appeared before members of the School Committee Saturday morning for her second interview and their final one after meeting with three other candidates.
Also being considered for the post being left vacant by retiring Superintendent Shirley Alvira are former North Middle School principal Ronald R. Rix; Maureen Bingham, assistant superintendent of schools in Swampscott; and Melodie Goodwin, current director of curriculum for North Adams schools.
In her interview, Scallion pledged her support to educators at all grade levels and lauded their commitment to student growth, which she said she hopes to foster.
“I know how powerful a teacher can be in the life of a student, and I want to help teachers work that magic that allows students to be the best they can be,” she said.
While the basis for all education is established in the elementary years, Scallion said she also recognizes that the high school is often the flagship of a city’s public school system and must offer a broad range of programs for all students to thrive.
“I want every child to feel cemented and be involved in activities that are vital to the health of a high school,” she said.
Prior to her position as principal at Alta Heights Elementary School in Napa, Scallion served as principal at Leeds Elementary School in Northampton from 2002 to 2008.
Scallion earned undergraduate, graduate, fellowship and doctoral degrees from Worcester State College, Bridgewater State College, Harvard Graduate School of Education Fellowship, C.A.S. Harvard University and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, respectively.
Major qualifications for the job, search committee members have said, include budget experience, the ability to build staff and community support, and being flexible in advancing Westfield’s public school system. The city is currently negotiating a schools spending plan of $53 million.
Search Committee member Sheila Conroy said the team comprised to identify candidates looked for someone who can address budget issues, academic achievement, and state and federal education requirements. She also said the best candidate needs to be able to help the district move forward while working well with the staff and administration to make positive changes in Westfield.
“We want someone who is truly child- and student-centered and keeps them foremost in mind,” Conroy added.
Alvira announced last year her plans to retire in July after four years as superintendent here. She earns $135,450 per year.
The School Committee listed a salary range of $130,000 to $165,000 when it posted the position earlier this year, comparable to salary postings for new superintendents throughout the state. The salary range posted last year as part of West Springfield’s superintendent search was $125,000 to $145,000 annually, and salaries reported by 16 communities across the commonwealth currently seeking applicants range from $120,000 to $190,000.
Screening committee members are Westfield High School principal Raymond K. Broderick; Fort Meadow School principal Erin Fahey-Carrier; Westfield Education Association President Lori A. Hovey, WEA unit representatives Conroy, Janet Snow and Geana Delisle; parents Police Capt. Michael A. McCabe and Southampton Road School Parent-Teacher Organization president Ramon Diaz Jr.; and community representative Bette Babinski.