Published in the November 19, 2015 edition

By DAN TOMASELLO

NORTH READING — Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly has been named a superintendent finalist in the Tri–Town School Union, (not to be confused with Triton Regional High School), North Reading Superintendent of Schools Jon Bernard announced on Monday.

Bernard said Daly is one of two finalists for the superintendent’s job in Tri–Town School Union (TTU) comprised of pre–K through grade 6 in the towns of Boxford, Middleton and Topsfield. According to the job positing on the TTU district’s website, “The communities and families of the Tri-Town School Union seek an exceptional educator to lead the six elementary schools in (the) towns of Boxford, Topsfield and Middleton.” The school system is also looking to “hire a natural leader who will provide a strategic vision for our schools, inspire collaboration and excellence amongst teachers and staff and be the public face of our dynamic, educational community.”

Additionally, the TTU superintendent will work with the Masconomet Regional Middle and High School superintendent. Students from all three communities begin attending Masco in seventh grade.

“It’s very exciting,” Daly said in an interview with the Transcript. “I have mixed emotions because I love North Reading. I have not been looking for a superintendent’s position, but this job was of particular interest to me because it’s my children’s home district.”

Bernard said Daly informed him he was named a finalist for the job last week.

“He and I have spoke extensively leading up to his decision to apply,” said Bernard. “I think there were several factors that contributed to his decision. I don’t believe he was actively looking for a superintendent’s position but he lives in the district and has children in the district.”

Daly said the next steps in the process include a site visit to Tri-Town School Union, additional interviews with the TTU School Committee and a site visit to North Reading.

One of the two finalists will be selected for the job at a later date.

Bernard wished Daly well during the process.

“I value Patrick and his significant contributions here,” said Bernard. “I wish him well in this pursuit.”

Daly has worked for North Reading Public Schools since 2009. He began his tenure as North Reading Middle School’s assistant principal before he was promoted to director of academic services.

The assistant superintendent applied for North Reading’s superintendent’s job along with Bernard after former Superintendent Kathy Willis announced her decision to retire last year. A search committee interviewed both Bernard and Daly for the position but the committee recommended the School Committee interview only Bernard.

After Bernard was tapped superintendent of schools, Daly was promoted to assistant superintendent.

Over the course of his tenure in North Reading, Daly has been involved in a number of different school initiatives. He has been a proponent of using technology in the classroom and helped the school system finally hire a technology coordinator earlier this fall. He has been active at the state level discussing education related matters such as the PARCC exam, the teacher evaluation system and a series of unfunded mandates.

Bernard said Daly has been invaluable to the school system.

“We all think very highly of Patrick,” said Bernard. “He is an asset to this district.”

Daly said the current TTU superintendent has held the job for 20 years. He said applying for the job was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“I had to throw my hat in the ring,” said Daly. “But if it doesn’t work out, I win either way. I love it here. North Reading is a wonderful place to work. Working with all of the dedicated students and educators in North Reading has been the most rewarding opportunity of my career.”

If Daly is named TTU’s next superintendent, he will begin his tenure on July 1.

“It would be a great transition for me and North Reading,” said Daly.