Marblehead’s former superintendent John Buckey has been named a finalist in the superintendent search in Melrose.
Buckey, who lives in Marblehead, left the superintendent’s job here in August, after the School Committee paid him nearly $175,000 in a controversial separation agreement. The committee never revealed why it wanted to oust Buckey.
Buckey started in Marblehead in 2020 and received multiple proficient performance evaluations. He was also elected president of the North Shore Superintendents Roundtable.
There are three other finalists in Melrose, including Janell Pearson-Campbell, who lost to Theresa McGuinness for Marblehead’s interim super position.
Buckey will meet with Melrose parents and sit for an interview with that city’s School Committee on Nov. 28. Melrose has about 3,800 students.
Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist who has written hundreds of stories for local newspapers, including the Marblehead Reporter.