Page 8 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2021 DERUOSI | FROM PAGE 6 quiries about the position and four others had “reached out,” indicating they would be fi ling applications. So far the Saugus superintendent’s job has drawn interest from “a nice mixture of experienced superintendents as well as some up and coming district leaders and building administrators,” he said. The field of candidates should increase to 20 to 30 by the time of next Monday’s (March 29) fi ling deadline, according to Beaudette. “I’m really impressed with what I see,” Beaudette said. “I’m excited about the position. I’m also excited about some of the candidates. … We’ll pick up half a dozen to a dozen [candidates] before applications close,” he said. Beaudette called the job “a wonderful opportunity for the right person, also noting that it presents “some exciting challenges with growth potential.” With the opening of the new Saugus Middle-High School Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com and the district’s reconfi guration of the grade alignment within a consolidation of buildings, the school district has “laid a solid foundation.” Beaudette urged the School Committee to begin preparing a compensation package and terms of the contract – especially the length of the contract. With the possibility of major turnover on the fi ve-member School Committee every two years – as was the case of fi ve new members getting elected two years ago, local school governance is going to be an issue, according to Beaudette. “That’s going to cause some people to think twice,” he said. What makes a successful candidate? During his visit with the School Committee, Beaudette briefed members on the eight-page “Communitywide Needs Assessment and Successful Candidate Profile Report,” which was compiled based on considerable input from the community. NESDEC search consultants conducted a Communitywide Needs Assessment through a series of virtual focus groups during the week of March 1, at the direction of the Saugus School Committee. Through interviews and an online survey, about 150 Saugus community members, parents, teachers and staff , town offi cials and members of the Saugus Public Schools leadership team participated in this outreach process. Based on public participation in the outreach eff ort, the collective results determined that the successful candidate to be the next Saugus Public Schools Superintendent will be someone who: • Listens thoughtfully and respectfully, communicates effectively and honestly and establishes and utilizes a variety of approaches and media to keep all stakeholders informed and involved in the schools • Enthusiastically promotes and advocates for the schools, students and staff , while openly acknowledging shortcomings and taking appropriate action to address them • Is thoughtful but decisive; endeavors to consult with those affected by decisions and informs them directly before implementation • Understands and is comfortable with political dynamics, but is capable of making tough and unpopular decisions for the benefi t of all students and the schools • Fosters a sense of community and collaboration through trusting relationships, open communications and continuous outreach to all segments of the diverse school community • Has a vision for and successful experience with eff ective approaches to school improvement and increasing student achievement grounded DERUOSI | SEE PAGE 9 The Saugus Public library will host a recorded visit by New York Times bestselling children’s author Eric Litwin (Editor’s Note: The following story is based on a press release issued this week by The Saugus Public Library.) T he Saugus Public Library has something special planned next week for children who want to have fun while they read. “The Saugus Library is thrilled to bring a presentation by New York Times best-selling author of the original ‘Pete the Cat’ books to our patrons and students,” said the Head of the Children’s Department, Amy Melton. “Eric Litwin makes reading joyful by adding humor, music and movement to his stories. I highly recommend tuning in – the kids will have a blast and parents [and] adults will watch a master class on how to make reading fun for kids. We are so grateful to the Saugus Cultural Council for making this program possible,” Melton said. Litwin is also the author of “The Nuts,” “Groovy Joe” and “The Poop Song.” Litwin’s books have sold over 12.5 million copies, been translated into 17 languages and won 26 literacy awards. Explore his website and books and enjoy free downloads of his work at https://www.ericlitwin.com/. Stream at your convenience! This presentation will be available for viewing anytime between Monday, March 29 and Monday, April 5. Stay tuned for the link: Check back for the link on Monday, March 29! Funding for this program was made possible by a grant from the Saugus Cultural Council. More about Litwin Eric Litwin is a song singing, guitar strumming, # 1 New York Times best-selling, award winning author who brings early literacy and music together. Eric is also the co-author of “The Power of Joyful Reading: Help Your Young Readers Soar to Success,” a popular professional development book for teachers. His books have sold over 13 million copies, been translated into 17 languages and won 26 literacy awards, including a The000 odor Geisel Seuss Honor Award. Litwin is a multi-talented, award winning musician. He plays guitar and harmonica and sings. He has eight award winning music CDs. His music curriculum company, The Learning Groove, won a 2013 Totally Awesome Award for its music. His musical performances of his books have won several awards, including 2017 AudioFile Magazine – Earphones Award for his narration of “Groovy Joe: Ice Cream & Dinosaurs.” Litwin writes dances to accompany his books. What a fun way to make literacy even more exciting! Please go to Free Downloads on his website and download the songs. More about the Library Read! Borrow books using the library’s Front Door Pick Up service (search the catalog for Eric Litwin) or download ebooks, audiobooks and even videos using Hoopla, Overdrive and Libby. Overdrive: Remember, if the NOBLE e-collections suggest placing a hold, scroll to the bottom of the screen and you’ll fi nd seven diff erent partner library systems to seamlessly borrow from, including the Boston Public Library.
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