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HOLDEN, Mass. — With unanimous backing from the school committee, Glenwood Elementary Principal Anthony Gasbarro will step into the role as interim superintendent of the Wachusett Regional School District.
Superintendent Thomas Pandiscio announced earlier this month that he would retire on Dec. 15.
After the management subcommittee endorsed Gasbarro Wednesday night, the full school committee met Monday to vote on its recommendation.
"Everyone who was on the subcommittee was very impressed with his background," said chairperson Duncan Leith, who said Gasbarro's experience was not only in elementary education, but as a banker and public servant.
After five years in the district, Gasbarro has already built relationships with fellow principals and educators in the town's five schools.
"I feel as though I'm a person that's well into creating relationships with people and feel that relationships are very important for building a united voice to carry initiatives forward," said Gasbarro.
While Gasbarro said the district has suffered some shell-shock over the past few months, he said that he believes it will be good to have an interim position to "insulate the old superintendent from the new superintendent," as well as "to give governing bodies an opportunity to come back together, formulate what's important to them and to re-establish what they're looking for in a new superintendent."
School committee member Stacey Jackson said she was thrilled to have Gasbarro as superintendent, having seen his strengths in leadership and communication while principal at Glenwood, and believed he would "really help the healing process in the community."
Gasbarro plans to retire in August and although he said he is willing to stay on as interim superintendent for a few extra months if needed, he has no interest in the permanent position.
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