Pittsfield School Committee Taps Mohawk Trails Principal for Deputy Super
Marisa Mendonsa, left, was the only candidate left but committee members said Monday she was their first choice in any case.
Marisa Mendonsa, principal at Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Shelburne Falls, was the unanimous choice, though by Monday she was the only choice.
Beth Gannon, principal at Margaret L. Donovan Elementary School in Randolph and past principal of the former St. Mark Middle School, withdrew her name from consideration a day after both women were interviewed as finalists.
School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon said Gannon's reason for withdrawing was that there was a position out there "that seemed to be a better fit for her."
Mendonsa was the second choice for superintendent earlier this year, when Joseph Curtis, who had been acting super, was tapped for the top spot.
Monday's special meeting to vote on the position lasted less than 15 minutes, with several members speaking on how impressed they had been with Mendonsa and how the Pittsfield High graduate would have been their first choice.
"After a lot of thought, I had felt that Ms. Mendonsa was the best fit for our district," said member Alison McGee, who had been one of the two votes for Mendonsa for superintendent. "Even though it had come down to one candidate, she would have been my selection."
Mayor Linda Tyer said she also felt that Mendonsa was the best fit, saying she "was the strongest candidate of the two and offered a very unique and forward-thinking vision of our district."
Member Daniel Elias recalled how many in the school community thought having Curtis and Mendonsa would "be a home run for the city of Pittsfield."
"I do think she offered one of the best interviews -- twice -- that I have seen in my 24 years here," he said. "I thought she was just outstanding."
The school district is far too large to be run by one person, member William Cameron said. "I'm confident that ms. Mendonsa can do the job that needs to be done."
"You can hear the passion she has and a I think that's crucial," said Yon.
The committee voted to offer the post to Mendonsa with the expectation a contract proposal could be presented at the Aug. 18 meeting.
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