Swampscott super announces plans to depart when contract expires

SWAMPSCOTT – The school district will be looking for a new superintendent in the not too distant future.Superintendent Matthew Malone informed the School Committee in writing he would not seek an extension beyond June 30, 2010 when his current contract expires.Malone said he made the decision not to extend his contract a while ago and he’s just being upfront with the School Committee and community of his intentions.”This is not goodbye,” he said. “I’m not writing my swan song yet. I still have 22 months left. I’m just letting them know I’m not extending my contract. I think it’s important to have honest open communication and I feel the town, students and teachers deserve that, so I’m making my intentions public now.”School Committee Chairman David Whelan said he isn’t surprised by Malone’s decision.”Five years is a long time,” he said. “The shelf life for a superintendent is less than 10 years. He drew a line in the sand and said I will not be here beyond June 30, 2010. I give him credit for giving us a lot of lead time.”Malone signed a three-year contract with the district in June 2005 that was in effect through June 30, 2008. In January 2007, the School Committee voted unanimously to extend his contract through June 30, 2010.Whelan admitted there is a possibility Malone could depart before his contract expires.”Five years is a long time,” he said. “He told us he could leave sooner if he decides to accept a position elsewhere.”A press release issued by the School Committee expressed confidence in Malone.”During the remainder of his tenure the School Committee is confident that Dr. Malone will continue to serve the students of the Swampscott Public Schools with the same passion and dedication that has always existed,” the press release continued. “He has always put forth the utmost effort in his service to the Swampscott Public Schools.”Malone has frequently been at odds with the Swampscott Education Association leadership, and in June the union voted 138-6 to announce it has no confidence in Malone’s leadership, but the School Committee continues to back him.”As the elected board responsible for the Swampscott Public Schools, we appreciate the tireless efforts of Dr. Malone to serve the many constituencies of the school district,” a press released issued Monday afternoon read. “Highlights of Dr. Malone’s tenure include the opening of the new Swampscott High School, the adopting of a new Middle School model and guiding the district through a period of fiscal uncertainty. The hallmark of Dr. Malone’s tenure is his students-first approach.”Before coming to Swampscott, Malone was the special assistant to the superintendent of schools in San Diego, Calif. On Monday afternoon, Malone said he does not have another position lined up yet.”This is a bold move,” he said. “But I like swimming in the deep end. I will be looking at other opportunities for me and my family down the road. I’m an educator and will be pursuing other endeavors in that field.”A press release issued by the School Committee states the district has not initiated the replacement process.Whelan said it’s going to be difficult finding the appropriate person to take the helm of the district.”I imagine we would convene a search committee within the next year,” he said. “It will be incumbent upon the School Committee to find the right person for a replacement. It could be a tough fit.”