MARBLEHEAD — Superintendent John Robidoux earned strong marks from the Marblehead School Committee, which commended his professionalism, calm leadership, and commitment to rebuilding trust in the district following a turbulent year.
Committee Chair Al Williams read the results of the evaluation during the School Committee meeting Thursday evening, describing the process as one that followed both the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education standards.
“This document is a composite of all five members of the School Committee,” Williams said.
The Committee rated Robidoux “proficient” overall, noting that he met or made significant progress on all major performance goals. Those included instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture.
Under specific goals, Robidoux was rated as having met his student learning goal, made some progress on his professional practice goal, and met his district improvement goal.
While reading from the report, Williams said the Committee recognized Robidoux’s steady leadership during a time of transition for the district.
“John entered the Marblehead school district during a period of significant turmoil, culminating in a teacher strike. Throughout this challenging time, John demonstrated professionalism, calmness, integrity, and diplomacy,” Williams read.
The Committee’s written summary added that, following the strike, Robidoux “worked diligently to reunite staff and students, refocus the district on teaching and learning, and prioritize academic rigor and student achievement.”
Williams said, “His steadfast commitment to the district and his students in the face of extraordinary circumstances is greatly appreciated.”
The Committee also highlighted Robidoux’s creation of the Superintendent’s Anti-Discrimination Committee, which was formed in response to calls from the community to address antisemitism.
“This effort directly responded to a specific demand from the school community to address antisemitism in the district and is a model for superintendents across the Commonwealth,” the evaluation stated.
While noting his collaborative approach, the Committee encouraged Robidoux to be even more assertive in his recommendations to the board.
“John could advocate more directly for what he believes is in the best interest of the district,” the report said. “School Committee members can then rely on his professional expertise to inform their decision-making.”
After the reading, Robidoux thanked the Committee for its thoughtful evaluation and added that he feels supported by the Committee. He also reflected on his transition from interim to permanent superintendent earlier this year.
Robidoux praised the collaborative goal-setting process, saying, “I’ve been a superintendent for 10 years, and that was the first time I ever had that level of conversation of any iteration. I wholeheartedly appreciate the discussion because now I know what the committee will be looking for instead of guessing.”
Williams said the Committee will continue to revisit these goals regularly to monitor progress.
“John does an excellent job working to build relationships within the district, and his ‘moving forward together’ motto demonstrates his understanding of the importance of repairing and rebuilding trust among stakeholders,” the report concluded.
