Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Students, parents and administration largely comfortable heading back to school By Tara Vocino O aklandvale Elementary School students, parents and administration had the option to transition to fully in-person learning on Monday morning. According to the state’s Department of Education, 930 elementary schools across Massachusetts went back fully in-person on Monday. Schools have had to adjust schedules for social distancing and add desks to classrooms, now just three feet apart instead of six, to meet updated state guidelines. In Saugus, parent Lina Desmond said she trusts that her teachers and administration have the situation under control in sending off her fifth grade daughter, Isabella, 11, back to in-person learning. For parent James Bruzzese, it was bittersweet to send his daughter, Alena, 10, to fourth grade, accompanied by her younger brother in prekinderOn Monday, James Bruzzese said it was bittersweet to see his daughter, Alena, 10, enter fourth grade fully in-person. Fifth-grader Brandon Barbanti, in center, ran into the parking lot as he waited for school to begin. Teachers welcomed back their students on Monday. $2.39 Fifth-graders walked in as the school bus turned the corner. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) First-grader Lucas Marnet, 6, embraced his teacher, Andrea Proctor-Pinto, as he directed him. garten, Domenic. “I’m nervous in a good way,” Alena said. However, Brandon Barbanti, 5, couldn’t be more excited as he ran into the parking lot, waiting to enter. “I’m happy,” Brandon said. “It’s going to be fun.” Principal Maureen Lueke said each class will average 18 to 20 students, with approximately 88 percent of the student body choosing the in-person option with the rest remaining remote. “I’m excited that everyone transitioned safely,” Lueke said. “We’re ready for in-person learning.” Replacing DeRuosi Superintendent Search Committee expects to begin interviewing candidates next week By Mark E. Vogler A fter culling through 25 applications of possible candidates to replace retiring Saugus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. David DeRuosi, Jr., the Superintendent’s Search Committee expects to be interviewing several candidates next week. “We’ll likely interview less than half and then narrow it down further in our recommendation to the School Committee,” said School Committee Vice - Chair Ryan Fisher, who chairs the 15-member search panel. “We’ll meet in Executive Session throughout next week conducting interviews. I’m expecting at least three sessions,” he said. Dr. DeRuosi plans to retire effective June 30, at the end of the current school year, which would complete five years of service to the town. April 27 is the target date for the search committee to make an announcement, recommending a list of four to five finalists. The full School Committee should DERUOSI | SEE PAGE 5
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