Swampscott’s Malone finalist for superintendent post in Nevada

SWAMPSCOTT – Superintendent Matthew Malone is one of six finalists for a position in Reno, Nev.The Washoe County School District Board of Trustees selected six finalists from 27 applicants for the position of district superintendent.Board President Barbara Clark said Superintendent Paul Dugan would be leaving the district Aug. 1A statement from Clark posted on the Washoe County School District Web site says, “We feel we have a very strong, qualified and diverse pool of finalists, that have proven records in raising academic achievement scores and in fiscal management,” she said. “The quality of the people who are interested in becoming the next WCSD Superintendent is extremely high. Given that, we’re very confident we will have a high-caliber person in the Superintendent’s chair.” The board is being assisted in the selection process by Bay Area executive search consultant Jim Huge.Malone and the other finalists are scheduled to visit Reno next week for interviews.The other finalists are Prince George’s County Public Schools CEO Lawrence W. Fryer Jr., Chino Valley Unified School District Superintendent Edmond T. Heatley, Oakland Unified School District State Administrator/Superintendent Vincent Matthews, education consultant Hector Montenegro, who is from Arlington, Texas and Kimberly D. Olson, who is the chief development officer for Dallas Independent School District.Despite comments Malone made in November he would be stepping down, Malone earlier this month extended his contract with Swampscott for one year. A couple of weeks ago Malone, who has been with the district since July 2005, said when he made those comments he meant he would not seek a three-year contract extension.Malone said he was recruited for the job a couple of months ago but did not expect to be a finalist.”I want to make something clear,” he said. “I am not looking for a job. I was recruited for this position. I am very fortunate to have opportunities in front of me.”Malone said the fact he is leaving between now and when his new contract expires on June 30, 2011 should come as no surprise.”I have been up front with the School Committee and appreciate the extension given me,” he said. “People know that I am leaving, it’s just a question of when. But until I leave I am putting in 120 percent into this job. I care deeply about this school system and the students we serve.”School Committee Chairman David Whelan said, “This was not on our radar when we signed a contract extension,” Whelan said. “I’m not even sure he knew he was going to be a finalist in Nevada when he signed the contract extension.”Whelan said Malone’s contract required him to give the district four months notice and Malone has agreed to honor that commitment.