Updated: Pam Angelakis New Superintendent

The Swampscott School Committe had intended on talking about how to go about selecting a new superintendent at their meeting Tuesday.

But their discussion led them to the incontrovertible conclusion that they needn't search for something they already have — the best person for the job.

Committee members said this was the consensus of residents and teachers and the school leadership.

The interim superintendent, Garry Murphy, said Assistant Superintendent and former Stanley School Principal Pam Angelakis was doing the job of superintendent right now.

He gave her his strongest endorsement.

So didn't the five committee members, and the two student representatives to the committee — Chris Thomsen and Tristan Smith — added their support for Pam Angelakis, as well.

The committee voted 5-0 to appoint Angelakis superintendent effective Feb. 1 or as needed.

Now in her 24th year with the district, Angelakis was a teacher for 14 years and the principal at Stanley for eight years, and has been an assistant superintendent for about a year and a half.

Angelakis has two master's degrees: one from Columbia University in computers and technology; and the other from Salem State University in educational leadership.

The last we knew the appointed superintendent was pursuing her doctorate degree.

Murphy, the interim superintendent, who works part-time, has mentored and worked side-by-side with Pam Angelakis. 

He said she has the skills, the disposition and the willingness for the position. He has ceded the lead role to her at the head of the district table.

School Committee member Carin Marshall was a driving force to act on the new superintendent's appointment on Tuesday.

Marshall said to go through the motions of a search would do more harm than good. People in the community and schools want a decision, she said. 

To drag out the process with a search would waste time and divert energy from other matters.

Committee Chairman Rick Kraft voted for Pam Angelakis but, in an earlier vote at Tuesday's meeting, was the lone committee member who favored conducting a search for a superintendent.

He said the search would only strengthen Pam Angelakis, letting her know the district invited other candidates to apply and she was the choice.  

Committee member Amy O'Connor said the district placed Angelakis, as assistant superintendent, in a position where she could learn the job of superintendent. She has done so and has the confidence of those around her. 

To conduct a search would send the wrong message and risk alienating the person the district has been grooming for the post, O'Connor said.

Committee member Marianne Hartmann said the district knows what they are getting with Angelakis, the right person.  

Committee members said Angelakis is direct, empathetic, a hard worker and inspires the confidence of those around her.

Committee member Ted Delano has said in the past that hiring from within the district shows other employees that there is a future for them here.