Marblehead’s new acting superintendent, Michelle Cresta, reached out to teachers and staff in an email this afternoon, laying out plans for the immediate future.
“As you may already know, Dr. John Buckey has submitted his resignation as superintendent of Marblehead Schools. During this time of transition, I have been designated acting superintendent while the School Committee plans their next step in appointing an interim superintendent for the school year as well as the process to search for a permanent replacement,” Cresta wrote.
“I want to emphasize that our jobs remain the same today as they were yesterday. We will open our doors in September for the 2023-2024 school year as we normally would. Our goals and responsibilities remain unchanged. We must remain focused on the purpose for which we are all here, our students.”
Cresta continued: “It is not lost on me that this change is not easy. Change is never easy. However, it is important that we keep the focus on our mission, goals and job. We are all in this together. Please reach out to your building principal or director if there are any questions or concerns about this transition. Also, please know that I am available to you should you have any questions or if I can be of any assistance. “
Cresta also thanked her predecessor.
“I also want to publicly thank John for all the good work that he accomplished over the past few years. He joined Marblehead Schools shortly after I did, and was thrust into the center of a changed school environment with COVID and helped to navigate us through these unchartered waters. I know you join me and others in thanking John for his service and commitment to Marblehead and our staff and students.”
Buckey agreed to resign yesterday and the School Committee agreed to pay him a total of nearly $175,000. Committee Chair Sarah Fox did not respond to questions about next steps in a search for his permanent replacement. The School Committee declined to ever explain why they wanted to oust Buckey.
The School Committee does not have another public meeting scheduled, but its policy committee is meeting Friday at 12:30 p.m. On the agenda: how to handle public complaints, athletics, wellness and recess.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter.