Reading Chooses Medford Candidate For Superintendent

Arlington MA

13 February, 2021

3:44 PM

Description

Your Arlington Last Updated: 12 February 2021 In a 5-1 vote, the Reading School Committee has chosen a Medford leader as the new superintendent, passing over Arlington High School Principal Matthew Janger. On Thursday, Feb. 11, the committee favored Tom Milaschewski to begin on July 1, depending on a successful contract negotiation. Committee member John Parks dissented, preferring Stephen J. Zadravec, superintendent for the Portsmouth, N.H., School Department. The Reading Post, a hyperlocal news site, reported the story. Members of the committee were exuberant in their praise of Milaschewski, the story says. He is superintendent resident (concurrent with doctoral studies) for the Medford Public Schools. All five members who voted in favor of him referred to the site visits as what separated him from the other two finalists. "Leadership oozes from him," committee member Tom Wise was quoted as saying. Chair Chuck Robinson added, the report says, that his "level of energy is off the charts." Member Shawn Brandt was quoted: "I've never heard more effusive praise for a candidate." Several members were impressed by his professional development credentials and connections to his staff. Members stated that Milaschewski seems like a leader who would aid in the growth of all staff in the district. Brandt referred to the "raves" about his professional development approach in Medford. "He motivated people on all levels," member Carla Nazzaro pointed out. Committee members also commented on how personable Milaschewski seems to be. Robinson stated that he is a "real person first and foremost." Member Erin Gaffen shared how the site visit was "full of excitement." She also shared that his Harvard adviser referred to him as the "top candidate they have seen in a long time." Several referenced the broad range of references who spoke highly of him, Nazzaro commenting that in his site visit, he had multiple superintendents, many former staff and students, and two mayors ready to speak in his favor. Despite all this, Robinson was impressed with his humility. "He does not come across as the smartest person in the room" while commenting that Milaschewski is also "not a lone ranger; he will rely on people." Brandt noted that he "really did his homework about Reading." After the vote, Robinson called to officially offer the position to Milaschewski, who then shared that he was "very thankful and excited to accept." Dr. Janger, who has been principal at Arlington High School since 2013, has been asked to comment. YourArlington.com has provided news and opinion about Arlington, Mass., since 2006. Publisher Bob Sprague is a former editor at The Boston Globe, Boston Herald and Arlington Advocate. Read more at https://www.yourarlington.com/about.