Town says goodbye to another superintendent

BY LEIGH BLANDER

After weeks of speculation, private School Committee meetings and community conflict, Superintendent John Buckey reached an agreement to step away from the Marblehead schools last week. Assistant Superintendent for Finance Michelle Cresta has been named interim superintendent.

On Aug. 2, School Committee Chair Sarah Fox sent out what she labeled a “joint press release” on behalf of the committee and Buckey saying, “The Marblehead Public School Committee and Dr. John Buckey have come to an acceptable agreement resulting in his resignation as superintendent of schools.”

The statement continued,

“Dr. Buckey’s resignation comes after several days of contract negotiations. Dr. Buckey deeply appreciates the opportunity to have served his community, and the Marblehead Public School Committee thanks

Dr. Buckey for his three-plus years of service. The committee wishes him the best as he pursues other opportunities in the field of education.”

The agreement will pay Buckey his normal salary through December, approximately $80,500. The School Committee will also pay Buckey the $94,350 specified in his contract for terminating it without cause,