NAHANT— The School Committee voted unanimously to hire Robert Liebow as the district’s next Superintendent of Schools at its meeting Tuesday night.
Liebow will officially assume the role on July 1 when current Superintendent of Schools Tony Pierantozzi retires. He was one of two finalists for the position, along with Dr. Robert Gerardi, before Gerardi withdrew his application.
After a thorough joint interview of Liebow this past week that continued into Tuesday’s meeting, all members had positive remarks to make about its candidate.
During the deliberation process, Committee member Regina Laine cited Liebow’s willingness to collaborate with Johnson School Principal Kevin Andrews as what stood out to her the most.
“What I think stood out to me most of all is really the respectful way of leadership,” Laine said. “Many times, there was a reference to this being Mr. Andrews’s school and that it would be a partnership.”
Committee Vice Chair Michelle Dam credited Liebow for his consistent answers on the collaboration with his potential employees. Member Liana DeLoid said Liebow’s values and practices promote an empathetic and constructive environment for the students.
Member Beth Anderson then asked multiple questions regarding tolerance and respect among students from different backgrounds.
“I appreciate the care that he went through to look at our demographics,” Anderson said. “And thinking about what that meant in terms of the learning journey for all kids… how are our young people that are in predominantly white environments and monochromatic environments going to be ready for an increasingly diverse world? And I love that he’s thinking about that.”
Anderson added that despite Liebow describing himself as traditional, she feels his mindset is, in fact, “forward thinking.”
Committee Chair Patricia Karras endorsed Liebow because she believes the students are his priority.
“You said it time and time again that for you, it’s all about putting the children first,” Karras said. “And for me, that’s why I’m here.”
The next step moving forward for the Committee and Liebow is to begin contract negotiations.
