By NEIL ZOLOT
NORTH READING — The School Committee voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly for five years until the 2030-31 school year, the maximum time allowed, at their meeting Monday, August 25.
“This renewal is both retrospective and prospective because Dr. Daly’s work over the years has been exemplary,” Chairman Jeff Friedman said. “His vision for the future and ability to execute are what compel us to push this renewal. He brought our academic test scores out of dips seen through COVID, balanced traditional and more holistic teaching models with a sharp focus on data-driven results, overseen unprecedented success in athletics and performing arts, and led a fiscally responsible team through challenging town budgets and facing more headwinds.”
“While most districts have faced hiring challenges, we continue to fill needed positions with great candidates and retain the ones we already have,” Friedman continued. “The School Committee agrees with his vision as well as his demonstrable ability to execute. I cannot think of a better person to represent and lead our schools.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” member Tim Sutherland commented.
“I am very thankful for the kind words of the School Committee and their trust in my leadership,” Daly reacted. “The team of educators and administrators that I work with every day are so talented and dedicated and I look forward to serving the students and staff of North Reading for many years to come.”
The extension includes cost-of-living increases to Daly’s current salary for the upcoming year of $225,336, through the 2030-31 school year, including 5% increases for 2025-26 and 2026-27, and 3% increases in the remaining four years.
It also provides for “additional incentives for Dr. Daly to engage in professional development related to education and through involvement in regional and local Superintendents Associations.” Incentives include reimbursement for additional coursework at $1,000 per course.
Associations currently include the Merrimack Valley Superintendents Association (MVSA), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), and AASA, The School Superintendents Association (formerly the American Association of School Administrators).
Daly has recently accepted a leadership role within the MVSA. “The opportunity allows me to work with other area Superintendents and to learn about trends and best practices in their districts and schools and think about how to replicate or build upon those successful ideas for North Reading,” Daly explained.