Auburn School Committee interviews final superintendent finalist Timothy McCormick, decision expected Tuesday

The Auburn School Committee held a special meeting on Dec. 12, 2025, at 5 West Street to conduct the final live interview with Timothy McCormick, the third finalist for superintendent of Auburn Public Schools. Committee members questioned McCormick on leadership, budgets, labor relations, student engagement and school safety; they said a hiring decision is expected Tuesday night.

McCormick, who visited district schools earlier in the day, opened by thanking the committee and saying his visits confirmed what he had heard previously about the district. “I met with, I think, over 50 teachers and at least 30 students,” he said, and added that the visit was “very, very rewarding.” He told the committee that students had described the district’s best asset as “the teachers.”

On leadership, McCormick described himself as a collaborator, reflective leader and systems thinker. “The answer is in the room,” he said, arguing that strong teams and clear systems help remove obstacles and deliver equitable access to curriculum. He emphasized setting high expectations while creating psychological safety that allows staff to give and receive feedback.

Committee members pressed him on budgeting and financial management. McCormick said budgeting should be “telling a story” that aligns spending with the district’s strategic plan and school-improvement goals. He recommended building revolving-account reserves (such as school choice and circuit-breaker funds) to meet unexpected costs and cautioned that personnel — which usually represents 70–80% of costs — should be the last area to cut. “You need to build those reserves,” he said, adding that multi-year projections and conversations with business managers and principals should guide tough choices.

On labor-management relations, McCormick said regular, transparent meetings with union leaders and clear negotiation ground rules can reduce conflict. He emphasized keeping negotiations professional and off social media and described using 360-style feedback and superintendent evaluations to improve leadership practice.

Student engagement and transition supports were major topics. McCormick described creating a superintendent’s advisory committee of students focused on leadership development and concrete projects; he also outlined transition days for students moving between schools and counselor coordination across buildings to track students who need extra supports.

Asked about school resource officers, McCormick said his current district does not have full-time SROs but called an officer “another trusted adult” who can support students in crisis while acknowledging that some families have concerns about police presence. On the district’s cell-phone policy, he supported limited use during the school day and noted that district devices and office phones provide alternatives when students must contact families.

McCormick emphasized listening and an entry plan if hired. He said his first year would focus on gathering data and stakeholder input to determine whether priority work should emphasize reading, math, science or rollout of high-quality instructional materials. He also mentioned exploring pathway and career-technical education opportunities tied to state funding and dual-enrollment options.

The interview concluded with a short closing statement from McCormick, who said he was honored to be considered and would focus on listening and continuous improvement if selected. Committee members moved and seconded a procedural approval and recorded two “Aye” responses before adjourning. The committee confirmed it plans to decide Tuesday night and announce the outcome at its Wednesday meeting.

Next steps: the committee expects to notify candidates Tuesday evening and make a public announcement at the next committee meeting.