By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – Stephen Dlott received high praise from Marlborough School Committee members as they voted unanimously to hire him as the Marlborough Public School's interim superintendent at the committee's July 26 meeting. Dlott will replace former Superintendent Anthony Pope, who resigned in June after months of contentious battle with the Marlborough school community. The committee members said they have complete confidence in Dlott's ability to rebuild trust and credibility in moving forward.
Committee members Katherine Hennessy and Michelle Bodin-Hettinger had first interviewed and nominated Dlott as their choice, which was then confirmed by Mayor Arthur Vigeant, who is also chair of the school board. The other committee members then also spoke with Dlott, as well as his colleagues and others who know him professionally and personally. ?
In talking with references and others who have worked with Dlott, committee member Jennifer Hardy said she received “great supportive comments on his role in identifying long-term replacements.” Many of these replacements are still in the positions and having much success, she added. ?
The interim job had been posted on several websites and brought forth about 30 interested educators, according to Hennessy.
“Some were eliminated for not having central office?superintendent experience, and others did not have the skill sets we are seeking,” she said. “Dr. Dlott is kid-focused, is exceptionally collaborative and wants to listen. His mentoring capabilities rebuild trust, and that is what we need.”
Prior to becoming superintendent of Westborough Public Schools from 1997 to 2005, a system of 3,500 students, Dlott held many principal and assistant principal positions.
Since retiring from the Westborough post, he has been a consultant for the Massachusetts Department of Education, an interim superintendent in Hudson, and an interim principal in Boylston, Groton, and most recently at Bartlett Junior Senior High School in Webster.
Vigeant will negotiate a contract with Dlott, which is expected to include about ?$165,000 in salary. Vigeant said this figure was mentioned in his preliminary discussions with Dlott, and ?is what he received for filling the Hudson position he held in 2008-2009.
Committee members thanked acting superintendent and Instructional Leadership Director Maureen Greulich, for stepping into the position and commended her for her cooperative efforts. Greulich will work cohesively with Dlott during the transition period.