District Seeks Permanent Replacement for Pope

The search for a permanent superintendent for Marlborough is set to kick off tonight as the School Committee reviews three companies who are vying for a contract to help the district find a candidate.

The equation is simple, said Interim Superintendent Steven Dlott, and it includes more superintendent positions than there are individuals looking for the position. The solution he gave to the school committee was to begin their search as soon as possible.

Dlott said at last week's committee meeting that a vote could occur for the committee as soon as tonight if they feel they have enough information.

The search is the result of the resignation of former Superintendent Anthony Pope in July. His resignation followed months of controversy and cost the district $99,000.

Pope's decision to first suspend and later fire Marlborough High School Assistant Principal Adam Bakr angered many students. Student efforts to have him returned to the school were successful. Pope's reaction to the student protests led to a host of complaints against him for unprofessional behavior and resulted in an allegation of assault from a faculty member.

Marlborough's teachers also took a vote of no confidence against Pope. The Marlborough Educators Association also claimed intimidation by him. At one committee meeting, teachers and parents lobbied the committee to fire Pope in order to get the district back on track.

The committee voted to have Steven Dlott serve as an interim superintendent for the school year. His efforts have been publically praised by the committee.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the district education center.