Riddle Brook principal to retire; superintendent outlines accelerated search timeline

Superintendent Mike Fournier told the Bedford School Board on Jan. 12 that Riddle Brook Principal Molly McCarthy plans to retire at the end of the school year and presented a timeline for filling the position.

Fournier said the district will advertise immediately, assemble a selection committee of approximately 10 people (including a board member, staff and parent representatives), hold listening sessions and surveys for stakeholders, interview finalists, host finalist visits to the school and recommend a candidate for board approval as soon as March 9, with flexibility for conference conflicts.

Board members praised McCarthy’s leadership and the school’s strong position, and generally supported an expeditious selection process while acknowledging possible adjustments to accommodate schedules and conference travel. Superintendent Fournier said he would use the district PTG to help identify parent committee members and coordinate with HR on screening, and that finalists would visit the school before the board recommendation.

Provenance: Superintendent’s announcement and timeline discussion begin at SEG 322 and continue through SEG 461.