Wicked Local
Frank Hackett is still the choice to replace Judy Evans as Winchester superintendent when she retires in June, but details on his contract are still being worked out.
The Winchester School Committee was scheduled to vote during its March 2 meeting on the contract, but School Committee Chair Brian Vernaglia said there s more to do. We have an agreement in principle but the full contract is long and we are making sure both parties are comfortable with all the legal terms, he said. We hope to be able to vote at our next meeting if not sooner, at a special meeting if necessary.
Another characteristic Committee members noted was Hackett s ability to put others at ease. I liked his sense of humor, Committee member Zeina Marchant said. I thought that made the interview go quickly and really seemed to just bring out the best in all of us.
His experience helping guide a Massachusetts school district through the COVID-19 pandemic was also key. Helping people get through the pandemic is not just about helping them get through school, School Committee member Michelle Bergstrom said, but helping them get through the pandemic.
Hackett was one of two finalists discussed by Committee members. The other candidate was Dr. Mark McLaughlin, a superintendent in Merrimack, New Hampshire. The finalists were vetted by a screening committee consisting of Laurie Kirby, Jen Elineema, Ellen Whittemore, Bergstrom and Bolognese.