The Saugus Union School District Governing Board got a closer look Tuesday night at what parents, staff and community members want to see in the district’s next superintendent.

Consultants leading the search for the Saugus Union School District presented a leadership profile report summarizing feedback gathered from surveys and community engagement sessions across the district.

More than 550 people participated in the process, including 427 survey responses and dozens of conversations with teachers, staff, parents, administrators and students.

The feedback will help guide the board as it evaluates candidates and shapes interview questions for the district’s next leader.

Top priorities for the next superintendent include:

• Honesty and ethics
• Strong communication skills
• Being approachable 
• Inclusive in decision-making
• The ability to solve problems effectively

Participants also emphasized the importance of a leader focused on teaching and learning while understanding the culture and values of the Saugus community.

Consultants said the feedback highlighted several strengths across the district, including strong student achievement, well-maintained campuses and a deep sense of pride among families and staff.

Board President Matt Watson said he was encouraged by the level of participation from the community.

“I was glad to see the reach of the input that we received,” Watson said. “I want to thank the staff that worked with you as well as my colleagues. Several of us used our voices to reach out to the community.”

Consultants also met with a group of sixth-grade students as part of the engagement process.

Watson praised the students for their participation.

“Let it be known that the students in Saugus Union are absolutely delightful,” he said.

While the report highlighted many strengths, consultants also identified several areas the next superintendent will need to address, including improving communication with families and staff, managing crises and maintaining a strong working relationship between the school board and district leadership.

Board member Anna Griese noted that student behavior concerns were heavily discussed in written survey comments and said she believes the issue will likely be a major focus for the next superintendent.

“When you look at the open feedback, there’s about 18 pages worth of comments,” Griese said. “It seems like that is a standout issue and something that’s going to be a big task for a new superintendent.”

The leadership profile developed from the feedback will now be used as a guide as the board reviews candidates and moves forward in the hiring process.

District officials are aiming to select a new superintendent by July 1.

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