School committee unanimously hires Mr. Mullen as Beverly school business administrator

The Beverly School Committee on May 20 appointed Mr. Mullen as the district's new school business administrator in a 9–0 roll-call vote.

President Visnick opened the item by asking the committee to consider the superintendent's recommendation. Dr. Cushing said the interview panel and the candidate's references praised his work on RFPs, his attention to accounting detail, his experience moving districts from paper-based systems to computerized systems and his familiarity with MUNIS and end-of-year DESE reporting. "His supervisors in that district praised his ability at RFPs, really being able to examine their work," Dr. Cushing said in presenting the candidate.

Mr. Mullen, who said he previously served 11 years on his local school committee, thanked the panel and told the committee he takes the responsibilities of a school business manager "very seriously." He described his approach as collaborative and said he looks forward to working with school committee members and the city finance team.

After a short question-and-answer period — during which members asked about internal controls and how Mr. Mullen would support district systems — a motion to approve the superintendent's recommendation was moved and seconded. The committee completed a roll-call vote and approved the appointment unanimously. President Visnick welcomed Mr. Mullen to the district and the room applauded.

The appointment is effective immediately; Mr. Mullen stood at the podium to briefly address the audience and offered to answer follow-up questions from committee members and staff.