School Committee Candidates Talk Roles and Superintendent Qualities

Candidates for two three-year seats on the School Committee distinguished themselves from each other at Thursday's Candidates Night forum, in part, by talking about the committee's role.

They discussed the merits of experience versus new blood and qualities they would like to see in the new superintendent.

Challenger Amy O'Connor said the current committee was off the rails and micro-managing school affairs.

She said the district is plagued by a toxic environment and she thinks that it comes from the tone set by the School Committee.

Incumbent Jaren Landen said the School Committee members have worked together, and have been largely unanimous in their votes. There has been debate but the board is not divided.

She also said there are gray areas when it comes to the board's responsibilities for the budget and policies. Everything can be considered part of the budget or policy, she said.

Challenger Carin Marshall's response was in line with her fellow challenger.

She said a lot of people were struggling with the committee taking too active a role.

They should not run the schools, they should set the vision and goals and let the schools do the work, she said.

The candidates responded to a question on qualities they would like to see in the next superintendent. The committee's other responsibility is hiring and overseeing the superintendent.

The current superintendent, Lynne Celli, is leaving the day-to-day operations starting July 1, for continuing work on specific areas including elementary school building needs.

A part-time interim superintendent, Garry Murphy, was hired for the next school year on Wednesday, and the School Committee is expected to hire a permanent superintendent next school year. 

Landen said she would like the next superintendent to be honest and open and deliver quality education with the funding available.

Marshall said Swampscott needs a superintendent who is right for the district, maybe someone with experience in a small town, including Swampscott itself.

O'Connor said the district needs someone who understands how to work as a part of a team.

In response to a question about what sets them apart from each other, O'Connor said she is a straight forward person with strong ideas about how to bring people together as a team.

Landen said she brings years of committee experience, grant writing and an understanding of the district's building needs to the table.

Marshall said she brings business experience and people skills and would build relationships with school administration and town officials.

The League of Women Voters presented the forum, moderated by Cathy Vaucher and held at Swampscott High.

Panelists from Patch, the Lynn Item and the Swampscott High Political Action Club as well as audience members, posed questions to the candidates.

Election Day is Tuesday.