Malone decision may come early as today

SWAMPSCOTT – While the news that Superintendent Matthew Malone is a finalist for the same position in Springfield is a shock too many people, it did not come as a surprise to School Committee Chairman David Whelan.”We always had an understanding that if his name were going to be presented for some sort of position outside the district he would let me know,” Whelan said. “I agreed that unless he was being considered seriously, and there was a chance it would be in the press that I would not let the other School Committee members know.”Whelan said Malone told him that he did not apply for the position.”He didn’t apply for this job,” he said. “A handful of folks came up with names that were considered viable options for the position. Matt (Malone) was asked if his name could be added to the list and he said yes.”Springfield has narrowed the search to four and it expects to make a decision as early as this afternoon.Malone and Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Basan Nembirkow are the only two candidates from Massachusetts. The other two candidates are Alan J. Ingram, the chief accountability officer in the Oklahoma City schools, and Joseph J. Redden, who lives in Marietta, Ga. Redden was most recently program manager for the Stupski Foundation in Mill Valley, Calif.Malone and Nembirkow were interviewed Sunday.According to the Springfield Republican, during his introduction, Malone said he wants to work in Springfield because, “I’m here because I’m committed to urban education.” When asked why he wanted to be superintendent, Malone said, “This is an opportunity for someone to join a team moving in the right direction.”Attempts to reach Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, who serves as chairman of the School Committee and Springfield School Committee Vice Chairman Kenneth E. Shea, were unsuccessful Monday.Malone has been superintendent in Swampscott since April 2005.Calls to Malone were not immediately returned Monday but Whelan said he doesn’t think Malone is engaged in a job search.I don’t believe he is actively applying for other jobs,” he said. “He has been completely honest with us and has promised to keep me updated. “