At its Nov. 6 meeting, the School Committee gave Superintendent John Robidoux a “proficient” grade in a mid-cycle review. The committee looked at four areas in making its assessment: instructional leadership, management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture.
“As noted in his self-assessment, Superintendent John Robidoux made partial progress toward this goal (professional practice) during the evaluation period,” according to the review. “While some steps were taken to address staffing patterns, a comprehensive, district-wide approach to developing and implementing consistent staffing practices was not fully achieved. Notably, compiling concrete staffing data remains a critical tool to inform and drive the FY 27 budget process.”
The review continued: “It is important that John builds upon the district’s practices around data-driven decision making to equip administrators, School Committee members and other advocates and stakeholders to explain and justify the district’s needs.”
In the review’s summary, the committee wrote, “John entered the Marblehead Public School district in a time of significant turmoil, culminating in an illegal teachers strike. Throughout this challenging time, John demonstrated professionalism, calmness, integrity and diplomacy.”
The committee also approved several new goals that Robidoux wrote for himself, including:
- Professional practice: Further development of building administrators as the instructional leaders of their schools.
- District improvement: Enhancement of practices in hiring, training and retaining highly-qualified educators.
- Continue the development of a district improvement (strategic) plan for 2026-29.
- Student learning: Identify meaningful ways to assess and enhance/improve students’ academic achievement and social/emotional growth.
The School Committee also discussed goals for itself, including enhancing financial transparency by publishing “budget explainers” and hosting at least two community forums on the budget process before Town Meeting in May 2026.
Behind the scenes
Marblehead High School English teacher and Drama Director Ashley Skeffington presented a formal request that the high school’s auditorium be named in honor of longtime MHS teacher and theater technical director Greg Dana.
“Greg’s 51 years of service to the Marblehead Public Schools, his unwavering commitment to the performing arts, and his profound dedication to mentoring has left an indelible legacy that exceeds far beyond the walls of Marblehead High School,” Skeffington said.
The committee is asking the community to reach out with thoughts about the naming. Email the committee at schoolcommittee@marbleheadschools.org.
Early childhood center?
Also last week, the School Committee’s subcommittee on facilities met to discuss exploring a possible early childhood education center to be located at the Eveleth School. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services LisaMarie Ippolito will send out a needs assessment survey to parents of young children. If enough parents express interest in the idea, the district may launch a feasibility study.
