Peabody panel hears 2nd super candidate

PEABODY – Groton Dunstable Superintendent and Peabody superintendent candidate Joseph Mastrocola said there are three aspects that describe his leadership as an educator.?Students first, community collaboration and leadership around mutual decision-making are what sums me up,” Mastrocola said.Mastrocola was the second candidate to be interviewed for the position by the Peabody School Committee.He has been the superintendent for Groton Dunstable for the past two years. Prior to that, he was the assistant superintendent in Peabody for three years.School Committee member Tom Rossignoll asked what he has learned during his time as superintendent.Mastrocola said the most important thing he learned was how to manage a budget.?When I went to Groton Dunstable the biggest thing they were worried about was my lack of experience with budgets,” he said. “When you work hard on a weakness it becomes a strength. I would say now it is my largest strength.”?I learned how to manage a budget and go in front of a town meeting and advocate for a budget,” he added.School committee member Jarrod Hochman pointed out that, while Mastrocola was at Peabody, test scores were not as high as some would like and it is something Peabody still struggles with. Hochman wanted to know how the “new Mastrocola” would improve that.?We need to focus on good teaching and on good professional development. We need to send out the message that we are here for teaching and learning and that?s it,” Mastrocola said. His answer was received with applause from the crowd in attendance.?I rather focus on student achievement then a test score,” he added.Along the same lines, concern about poor SAT scores was pointed out and Mastrocola was asked how he would improve that.?I think working at the ninth-grade level is vital. You need to show them if they are serious it will pay off during 11th and 12th grade,” Mastrocola said. “Also, every kid has different strengths and we need to show them what their birthright gifts are. Usually those are what carry them through life.”Mastrocola said he his biggest success as superintendent was when he refinanced the debt on the new high school building and saved $2.7 million. Also, that he has added 22 new teachers to the district to help lower class size.He also is on record saying he is applying only for the position in Peabody and no other job.?I like the community and what it stands for,” he said. “There is a sense of comrade that appeals to me.”The final candidate Salem Academy headmaster David Fischer will be interviewed Thursday.Sara Brown can be reached at [email protected].