Finalists selected for Middleboro interim school superintendent

MIDDLEBORO -- Four finalists have been selected for the position of interim school superintendent for Middleboro.

The top contenders, as chosen by the School Committee May 28, are:

 Erik Cioffi, assistant superintendent of schools in Plymouth.

Tracy Curley, former superintendent of schools in Fall River.

David Cutler, director of student services in Bellingham.

David Thomson, interim superintendent of schools in Wilmington.

The four will be interviewed for about an hour each at a meeting Wednesday, June 3. Following the interviews, the committee is scheduled to select their choice for the position.

The four finalists were chosen among nine applicants, which Sean Costello of the Massachusetts Association of School, who is assisting the Middleboro board with the search, described as a “great number to have.’’

“I could not and would not say a bad word about any of them,’’ he said.

“In these times of turbulence, you need someone to right the ship,’’ Costello said. Although times may be tough, he said, there is “so much potential to move the district forward.’’

 Bringing a steady hand to the position was a need reflected in many comments from committee members.

The next superintendent should bring a “sense of stability and healing,’’ committee chair Susan Pennini, who was away and could not attend, said in a statement read at the meeting.

Committee member Leah Machado noted she wanted “someone who’s visible and present’’ because “if they’re truly present, they’re going to understand the needs of the district.’’

The district has been without an active, full-time superintendent since previous superintendent Carolyn Lyons took a health-related leave in August 2025. She officially left the district in February.

Currently Michael Perrone, the district’s director of business and finance, is serving as acting superintendent. FInancial challenges could lead to the loss of 18 positions, nine of which are currently vacant. 

Perrone was brought in to the acting role after previous superintendent Carolyn Lyons took a health-related leave in August 2025. She officially left the district in February.

Committee members agreed to hire an interim superintendent to serve for a year to allow time to make a thorough search for a permanent leader.

The community is looking for an interim superintendent who will prioritize school safety and climate, be transparent in communicating and focus on morale, according to results of a survey distributed to parents and school staff members.

The least significant priority, based on 270 survey responses, was advancing district initiatives. This likely means, school officials said, that the community “prefers an interim leader who preserves institutional momentum without introducing disruptive new agendas.’’

The five additional applicants were Maureen Binienda, retired Worcester superintendent of schools; Susan Kustka, former Holliston superintendent of schools; Jannell Pearson-Campbell, interim assistant principal of special education in Randolph; Benedict Tantillo, retired superintendent of schools in Duxbury; and Mark Stamm, outgoing superintendent of the East Lycoming School District in Pennsylvania.