May 21, 2024 By Carol Britton Meyer
Dr. Barbara Cataldo has been re-appointed to the role of Interim Executive Director of Student Services for the next fiscal year following her appointment to interim director last year.
The School Committee approved the appointment — recommended by Supt. of Schools Margaret Adams — at last night’s meeting.
“Unfortunately, similar to last year, we have been unable to find a permanent replacement after a search did not yield viable candidates for the position,” Adams explained. “This was not the outcome we had hoped for. As in many districts across the state, finding applicants for such positions has been challenging.”
There aren’t enough leaders ready to move into these roles, Adams said, noting that some professionals retired after Covid. “The best bet is to build our internal capacity so that we have more staff who [are qualified] to move into leadership positions over time.”
Adams also said a change in title might make the executive director position more appealing and attract more candidates.
School Committee member Tim Dempsey noted that Cataldo “has been much more than an interim director. She’s an expert who is making substantial changes to our special education program, and it’s important for her to stay and finish the work she has started. ‘Interim’ doesn’t describe accurately what she does.”
Adams expressed appreciation that Cataldo agreed to continue in the interim role for another school year. “The district will plan to post for a permanent Executive Director of Student Services in January 2024 and conduct a thorough search,” she said. “Over the past year, Dr. Cataldo has been an important member of our Central Office team, bringing a fresh and educated perspective to our student services department.”
During this time, Cataldo has led a department program evaluation and worked with SEPAC [Special Education Parent Advisory Council] to engage families,” Adams said. “Her continuation for a second year will allow us to sustain efforts that began this year and begin responding to the needs [that were spelled out in the recent special education] program evaluation.”
Cataldo, who has more than 15 years of experience as a public education administrator, holds a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College, a Master of Education from Harvard University, and a Doctorate of Educational Leadership from Northeastern University.