New interim superintendent seeks to build relationships

MIDDLEBORO -- Newly selected interim superintendent of schools David Thomson has set an ambitious goal for his first 90 days on the job.

He wants to host 90  meetings.

Thomson hopes to meet  with School Committee members, Select Board members, the town manager, police and fire chiefs, Finance Committee members and individuals from the school community and overall community, he told School Committee members during his interview June 3 for the interim post.

“Relationship building is important,’’ he said, citing the  value of “communication’’ and  “transparency.’’

Through these conversations, he said, he hopes to understand varying perspectives on the district’s strengths and “what we should work on.’’

Thomson was the unanimous selection of the School Committee after interviewing him and the other three finalists for the interim superintendent role. His employment is contingent on successful salary negotiations and reference checks.

 Committee members praised his emphasis on communication, his experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent and his understanding of both interim and permanent superintendent roles, since he has held both.

Prior to working in Wilmington, where he has served as interim superintendent since last July, he was the interim superintendent of schools in Mashpee for a year and superintendent in Norwood for seven years.

Thompson said he has had his eye on Middleboro since last August.

The district’s core values align with his, he said,  which is to “make sure every student has everything they need every day.’’

He said he has about 10 years until retirement and would like to remain in a position for “a long term.’’

“I think this is the spot to land’’ he said.

The interim superintendent position is scheduled to run through the end of the school year but committee members have said the person hired could potentially apply for the permanent position. Committee members hope to have someone in place for that post by July 1, 2027.

The district is looking for an interim superintendent following the health-related departure of previous Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons.

The district has been without a permanent superintendent since August 2025, when Lyons took a health-related leave. She officially left in March. Business and Finance Director Michael Perrone has served as interim since then.

Thomson was the unanimous choice among committee members to serve in the interim position.

“The committee strongly believes he will bring the stability we need for the upcoming year and has the potential to lead the district forward into the future,’’ School Committee chair Susan Pennini said.

Although all four finalists gave impressive interviews, Pennini said, Thomson “stood out because of his depth of experience, commitment to student achievement and experience, and a leadership style that would be a good fit for Middleboro.’’

Committee member Christopher Benson was impressed by Thomson’s promise to respond to every communication within 24hours. If unforeseen circumstances made that impossible, Thomson said he would have an assistant set up a good time to connect with the person as soon as possible.

“I’m going to hold him to that,’’ Benson said.

Thomson said he hopes to start in the position before the school year ends, to allow for the school community to meet him without having to wait until after summer break.

He said that, with his varied experiences, he is not easily rattled. “I’ve pretty much seen it all,’’ he said.

He had high praise for teachers, who he said have “the most important job in the entire world.’’

He noted that “anyone who does that job should be treated with respect and should be supported’’