2025 Gloucester School Committee Search for Superintendent
UPDATE:
The School Committee unanimously voted on November 10th to appoint Assistant Superintendent Amy Pasquarello to the position of Superintendent of Gloucester Schools pending contract negotiations. Ms. Pasquarello would take over after Superintendent Ben Lummis' Retirement in June 2026.
Dear Families and Staff,
We are writing to share exciting news regarding the future leadership of the Gloucester Public Schools.
The Gloucester School Committee at its meeting on Monday, November 10th, unanimously voted to appoint Assistant Superintendent Amy Pasquarello to the position of Superintendent of Gloucester Schools, pending the successful negotiation of a contract.
The School Committee vote follows a thorough process that began over two months ago. This process included forming interview panels, hosting public meet-and-greets, conducting panel interviews, gathering broad community feedback, reference checks, and the final School Committee interview last week. We greatly appreciate the participation and feedback of all individuals involved.
Pending successful negotiation of a contract, Ms. Pasquarello will officially assume the role of Superintendent following the retirement of current Superintendent Ben Lummis at the end of the school year.
Identifying Ms. Pasquarello now, allows for a smooth and collaborative transition during the upcoming months ensuring continuity and stability in our district's goals and operations.
The School Committee is confident that Ms. Pasquarello's dedication to our students, deep understanding of our district's needs, and demonstrated leadership as Assistant Superintendent make her the ideal choice to guide Gloucester Public Schools into the future. We look forward to working with her in this new capacity. We believe this decision ensures strong, consistent, and forward-thinking leadership for our entire school community.
Please join us in congratulating Ms. Pasquarello!
We appreciate your continued support of Gloucester Public Schools and look forward to the work ahead.
Sincerely,
Kathy Clancy, Chairperson on behalf of the Gloucester School Committee
Superintendent Search Process: Upcoming Events and Interviews
The School Committee met on Wednesday September 24 to discuss and formulate details regarding the process to consider Assistant Superintendent Amy Pasquarello for promotion to be the district’s next superintendent. This process will be comprehensive and transparent, with multiple opportunities for stakeholders to participate and provide meaningful input.
Our shared goal is to select the best leader for Gloucester Public Schools. We believe this inclusive and transparent process will support a smooth and successful leadership transition, benefiting our students, staff, and the entire GPS community.
The process includes:
Soliciting Stakeholder to be on the four Interview Panels - Teachers and staff, students, parents / guardians / community members, and district and city administrators
Community Meet and Greet
Stakeholder Panel Interviews
School Committee Public Interview
School Committee Meets to Deliberate and Vote
Stakeholder Interview Panels
There will be four interview panels - one each with Teachers & Staff; Students; Family & Community Members; and School & City Administrators. Beginning September 29, we will be accepting volunteers interested in serving on the stakeholder interview panels. Panelists will conduct formal interviews and provide input on the candidate, which will be shared with the School Committee. Additional members of each group can attend and observe the interview for their group when it takes place. Attendees will also have the opportunity to provide input to the School Committee after observing the interview.
By volunteering, potential panelists commit to being available at the time designated for their stakeholder group: Interview Panels are at the Gloucester High School Library.
Teachers & Staff: Monday October 27 at 3:30 pm
School & City Administrators: Monday October 27 at 6:00 pm
Students: Tuesday October 28 at 3:30 pm
Family and Community Members: Tuesday October 28 at 6:00 pm
Community Meet & Greet
All members of the GPS community are invited to attend a Community Meet & Greet at East Veterans Elementary School Library with Amy Pasquarello on Tuesday, October 21, with two available times. At these Meet & Greet sessions, community members will be able to meet Ms. Pasquarello, engage in conversation and provide input to the School Committee.
Meet and Greet Session 1: 3:30 pm at East Veterans Elementary School
Meet and Greet Session 2: 6:00 pm at East Veterans Elementary School
Final Stages
The School Committee will consider the input from the interview panels and meet and greet attendees. The School Committee will conduct a public interview at the GHS Library on November 5 at 6:00 pm followed by a School Committee meeting at the GHS Library on Monday, November 10 at 6:00 pm to deliberate and vote.
If the School Committee does not approve the candidate, planning for an external search would commence.
School Committee Interview with Amy Pasquarello
School Committee Interviews Assistant Superintendent, Amy Pasquarello, to be our new Superintendent. Click the link below to see the interview on Zoom. Interview starts at 15:36.
Special School Committee meeting
Monday, November 10 at 6:00 pm to deliberate and vote.
➡️ Public Interview at the GHS Library on
Nov 5th at 6:00 pm followed by a School Committee meeting at the GHS Library on Monday, November 10 at 6:00 pm to deliberate and vote.
Please complete Survey by midnight on Thursday, November 6th
Click Here For Post-Interview Feedback Survey
The Gloucester School Committee under the guidance of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees and Alicia Mallon, the MASC Field Director/Search Coordinator has launched the search for the next Superintendent of Schools.
Meet Assistant Superintendent Amy Pasquarello - Candidate for Promotion
Core Identity: Highly accomplished and dedicated educator and executive leader with expertise in instructional leadership, school administration, and curriculum development.
Key Skills: Proven ability to drive student achievement, build consensus among stakeholders, implement innovative instructional models, manage school operations, and conduct data-driven decision-making.
Specialized Focus: Strong passion and experience in integrating technology into education and securing funding through grant writing.
Assistant Superintendent, Gloucester Public Schools (2022–Present):
Led adoption of new instructional models, curriculum development, and teacher professional development.
Successfully navigated a labor strike through strategic communication and compromise.
Managed entitlement and competitive grants, developed policy, and collaborated on the district budget.
Principal, East Gloucester Elementary School (2015–2022):
Maintained a high-performing staff and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) structure.
Led school and district-level professional development.
Managed continuity of in-person learning during the global pandemic.
Assistant Principal Roles (2012–2015): Held Assistant Principal positions in the Triton Regional School District and Peabody Public Schools, gaining experience as a 504 coordinator, MTSS/IST chairperson, and implementing new teacher performance evaluations.
Media Specialist/Technology Roles (2006–2012): Served as a Media Specialist in the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District, instructing students (K-5) and successfully writing grant proposals.
Classroom Teacher Roles (1995–2000): Taught 4th and 5th grade in Albemarle County, VA, and Darien, CT, where she served as a school-wide technology leader and troubleshooter.
Higher Education: Served as an Adjunct Professor at Simmons College, teaching graduate-level educational technology.
Consulting/Training: Worked as an Educational Consultant for the technology startup SumEqual and as a Certified Trainer for Thinkfinity.
Thought Leadership: Quoted in Education Week and served as a panelist on topics including acceleration strategies and navigating the Assistant Superintendency role.