Saugus wraps up search for superintendent

SAUGUS – After a Monday meeting with Kelly Clenchy of Maine, the School Committee has wrapped up the interview process in the search for a new school superintendent.The committee interviewed three candidates in all, including Donald Ciampa of Tyngsborough, who came in the first round of potentials. Last week members sat down with Richard Langlois, an assistant superintendent in Haverhill since 1994, who has more than 30 years under his belt as an educator.The final interview was with Clenchy, who is currently the superintendent of schools in Maine for school union #87, which is comprised of two K-12 districts within the towns of Orono and Beazie. He got his start, however, in Canada.With a $58 million budget, 17 schools, 8,000 students and 1,600 employees, Langlois is used to big challenges and said he liked Saugus because he felt it fit his character.Clenchy is also familiar with tackling tough situations. As a superintendent in Saskatchewan, Clenchy had to cover 5,700 square miles regularly visiting a number of school systems under his watch. In Maine, he took over a system only to find out two weeks in it was $300,000 over budget.When it comes to dealing with Saugus’ fiscal crisis, both Langlois and Clenchy said input from teachers and principals is key, as is having a vision.”It’s not something you react to, it’s something you have to plan for,” Langlois said in terms of the budget.Clenchy called himself a planner and said the department not only needed a plan before it could move forward, but it needed teachers, administrators and residents to all own the plan as well.Both candidates also said their first year in the corner office would be one of transition, which would include getting to know the district and where it stands.”It’s so important to find out where the system is at before you develop a vision to move forward,” Clenchy said.Langlois was well versed in dealing with the loss of students to other districts and said he ran a successful plan for counteracting it. Clenchy said while he was fiscally astute, curriculum and mentoring principals was his strong suit.Both candidates also felt strongly on the need for keeping technology relevant and for arming students with 21st century skills for a global market place.Langlois told the committee it wouldn’t find anyone with a better character or more integrity and passion than himself to fill the shoes of departing Superintendent Keith Manville.”I love what I do,” he said. “I have a wealth of experience, I will work hard and commit to it.”Clenchy said he was intrigued by the Saugus School Department and realizes it has hit a rough patch. He said he feels with his leadership skills and track record of sustainable change he could make a serious and positive impact on the district.The School Committee will meet Thursday at 4 p.m. at the Roby School where Chairman Joseph Malone said members will deliberate and then name Manville’s successor.