During Thursday’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Evan Bishop outlined the restructuring of his administrative team in the wake of an impending retirement and departure.

Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Susan Rothermich is retiring, while Director of Student Services Jessica Beattie is returning to Holliston, where she worked previously.

“It’s about clear lines between academics, operations and finances so each area has a focused leader while still working closely together,” Bishop said.

He added, “It’s not about adding positions. It is about realigning what we already have.”

To fund the changes, the superintendent said the district would move from having two K-8 English language arts (ELA) directors to one. (One of those positions is vacant and will be repurposed.)

LaBroad to take on new role

Bishop said Jeff LaBroad, currently assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, would assume the role of assistant superintendent/chief operating officer (COO) on July 1.

LaBroad will oversee transportation, technology, safety and security, food services and policy and compliance. He also will continue working on Title 9 and 6 investigations and mentoring new staff.

Reporting to him will be directors of facilities, food services and transportation, areas Rothermich has been handling, as well as the director of technology, who now is overseen by Bishop.

CFO position to reflect greater focus

The chief financial officer (CFO) has duties that are handled by Rothermich, such as budget development and oversight, quarterly projections and state and federal financial reporting.

School Committee vice chair Susan Stephenson asked if this position would “reduce the number of plates [Rothermich] has had to juggle.” The superintendent agreed, saying the idea is to separate the operations aspects from the financial.

“We’re trying to intentionally design it to focus on the district’s budget planning,” Bishop said. “We hope to set the role up with clear priorities — giving the [new hire] time and space to do the job well at a very high level.”

The superintendent said the district has been very fortunate to have Rothermich at the helm of these matters for many years.

Member Nancy Cavanaugh will be the board’s representative for this search. Bishop noted he had reached out to the Select Board and Appropriation Committee so those boards could have representation as well.

The first round of interviews was scheduled for March 11.

CAO role defined

Another position being advertised is assistant superintendent of teaching and learning/chief academic officer (CAO). This position includes duties currently handled by LaBroad such as curriculum and instruction, MCAS/report cards, educator evaluations, title grant management, professional development and more.

Reporting to the CAO will be directors of math and literacy, subject matter leaders (SMLs) and the director of equity, access and acquisition.

School Committee member Chris Masters asked if other districts had these positions. The superintendent responded that these are “very standard” jobs, and some districts have additional administrative roles.

Initial interviews are planned for March 26-27, and the full School Committee will interview finalists on April 2.

Stephenson will be the committee’s representative for this search.

Director of Student Services position attracts interest

The most immediate role to be filled, director of student services, has received more than 20 applicants, the superintendent said, though he expects that field will be narrowed to six candidates.

Like last spring, when Beattie ultimately was appointed, the first round of interviews and a “meet and greet” for the public will be held, set for March 5-6. The second round of interviews by the full School Committee will take place March 12.

Chair Kyla McSweeney and member Jamie Wronka will participate on the search committee.

HHS principal search expected later

Justin Pominville has been interim high school principal for this school year. He was appointed to the one-year role when Bishop was promoted to superintendent.

Bishop said there has been interest from more than 30 teachers to serve on the search committee, and he thinks 10 will be the final number. Also on the search committee will be community members, parents and students. LaBroad will lead the process.

Dates and times will be announced later in the spring, with the focus currently on the other administrative jobs.

The next regular School Committee meetings are March 12 and March 26.