Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Mike Pfifflering told the Current Thursday morning that he will be staying in Marblehead. He was not chosen for a similar position at Whittier Tech in Haverhill.
“I am not surprised nor disappointed,” Pfifferling wrote in an email. “I really enjoy my role with the Marblehead Public Schools and the people of Marblehead. I have been deeply moved by the many individuals who have reached out to me over the past few days with their kind words and unwavering support.”
He added: “We have a lot of hard work ahead of us in Marblehead and I am fully dedicated to the students, staff and community.”
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Tuesday morning: Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling responded to a Current request for comment. Here is what he wrote in an email:
“I can confirm that I was named as one of two finalists for the Business Manager position at Whittier Tech. My next interview is tomorrow (Wednesday) evening.
I will say that I was not actively looking for new employment. When the position originally posted last month, there were individuals (outside of Marblehead and Whittier Tech) who asked me if I was planning to apply, to which I originally responded ‘no.’ After discussions with my family, colleagues and further internal consideration, I submitted my resume and was granted an initial interview.
I will say that I love my position in Marblehead. The educators and staff here are amazing. They are supportive, kind and nothing short of wonderful. My relationships with the School Committee, town administration, Select Board, Finance Committee and town departments have been strong, supportive and respectful.
While the daily commute would be far shorter, I can say that the decision to apply was in no way financially motivated. Other than the savings in gas and time, I do not believe there would be a financial advantage in changing districts. Whittier does offer new challenges and opportunities in my career. Regional schools are responsible for many business functions that cities and towns typically handle in a municipal school district.
There are also challenges here in Marblehead, particularly with the financial state of the town and the devastating loss of our facilities director. (Tood Bloodgood died earlier this month.) These challenges are not easy to ignore and are certainly not the reason for me to consider leaving this community. My personal feelings towards this community would make it difficult for me to pack up and leave.”
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As the town and school district struggle to make deep cuts and weigh potential tax overrides, the Marblehead Public Schools’ financial leader may be preparing to leave.
Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling has been named one of three finalists for the position of business manager at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill, according to WHAV Radio. Pfifferling served as assistant superintendent at Haverhill Public Schools 2019-2024.
The Whitter Tech School Committee will interview finalists on Wednesday, March 25. Whittier Tech’s current business manager is retiring in June.
Pfifferling has been widely praised in Marblehead for his budgeting expertise and for working closely with town officials as the district confronts mounting financial pressure. Local leaders have relied on his financial analysis during ongoing discussions about budget reductions and possible override proposals.
Marblehead School Committee Chair Al Williams told the Current he had not heard anything about Pfifferling potentially leaving the district.
The Current has reached out to Pfifferling and Superintendent John Robidoux for comment.
If selected for the position, Pfifferling would oversee financial operations for Whittier Tech, a regional vocational school serving multiple communities in the Merrimack Valley.
