Published in the July 11, 2018 edition
By MARK SARDELLA
LYNNFIELD — The School Department is looking for a new special education director.
Wakefield Superintendent Douglas Lyons announced last week that Lynnfield Public Schools Student Services Director Kara Mauro has been named the new assistant superintendent for the Wakefield Public Schools.
Mauro will replace Lyons, who moved up from that position to become superintendent when Dr. Kim Smith retired on June 30.
“It is a pleasure to announce that we have identified Ms. Kara Mauro as the new assistant superintendent for the Wakefield Public Schools,” Lyons said. “Ms. Mauro has been employed as the director of special education in Lynnfield for the past seven years. She distinguished herself in the interview process as a dynamic district administrator with classroom and leadership experiences that will add significantly to the Wakefield Public Schools leadership team.”
Mauro holds a bachelor of arts degree in English with a minor in elementary education from the University of Massachusetts. She completed her graduate work at Salem State University, holding a master of education in moderate disabilities. Prior to her director position, Mauro worked as a special education teacher at the elementary level and as a team chairperson at the district level.
Lyons said that Mauro was hired after two rounds of candidate interviews. She will begin her tenure on Sept. 1.
“Ms. Mauro distinguished herself as an experienced central office administrator with classroom and leadership experiences that will add significantly to the WPS Leadership Team,” Lyons said. “She leads with great care and sensitivity to the needs of the community while clearly focusing on improvement. In addition to her collaborative skills, Ms. Mauro has experience leading professional development for teachers and initiatives that focus on inclusive instructional practices. With her experience as a teacher, a leader and as a person committed to supporting teaching and learning, she will be a great addition to the Wakefield Public Schools.”
Lynnfield Superintendent Jane Tremblay had high praise for Mauro’s time in Lynnfield in a letter sent to parents.
“Ms. Mauro has been an integral member of our professional learning community over the past seven years,” Tremblay said. “She has served our community with intention, dedication and compassion. As a result of her strong leadership and unwavering commitment, our district’s special education programs are considered to be among the best in the area and across the state. We are grateful for her service to our students, their families and our educators. We wish her the best as she begins this next chapter of her professional journey.”
Tremblay added in a phone interview with the Villager: “Kara has done so much for this town and our special education programming. She has been a leader on the Administrative Leadership Team and her presence will be missed.”
Lynnfield School Committee Vice Chairman Rich Sjoberg also recognized Mauro’s contributions to education in Lynnfield.
“In her six-year tenure, Ms. Mauro has worked to increase the potential of all our students,” said Sjoberg. “I would like to personally thank Ms. Mauro and wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”
Lyons said that Mauro will be formally introduced to the Wakefield School Committee at their meeting on July 24.
Tremblay said in a letter a plan for Mauro’s transition is “currently being coordinated” with Lyons. She noted 19 candidates applied for the student services director job as of the July 9 application deadline.
“I am convening a balanced interview committee comprised of administrators, teachers and parents,” said Tremblay. “The interviews for potential candidates will be held during the week of July 23-27.”
Mauro lives in Wakefield with her husband and two children.
In calendar year 2017, Wakefield Assistant Supt. of School Lyons made $138,389.
— Dan Tomasello contributed to this story.
