Incoming superintendent of Martha’s Vineyard Public School Matthew D’Andrea announced Friday that a review committee made up of representatives of the community had narrowed a list of over 30 applicants for the vacant position of Oak Bluffs School principal to two finalists.
Both candidates have extensive experience in academic administration and teaching.
John Rizzo, principal of Milton Bradley School in Springfield and Phyllis Dubina, most recently an assistant superintendent and consultant in Beverly are the two finalists to fill the job left vacant when Richie Smith was named assistant superintendent.
Mr. Smith will take over for Mr. D’Andrea who will replace superintendent James Weiss, who retires at the end of this month.
Mr. Rizzo leads a 600-student elementary school with 70 staff members, according to his resume. He has been in this position for one year, but has been in charge of four other schools as either principal or head. He also was superintendent in Wilmington, VT, and as an adjunct professor at Westfield State.
Ms. Dubina has been a principal at multiple schools and has held multiple teaching positions, all in elementary schools. She has also served in three different curriculum-management positions, where she assessed and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of educational programs.
In a letter to parents, Mr. Smith invited parents and community members to meet each finalist. Mr. Rizzo will be available in the Oak Bluffs School library from 2 pm to 3 pm Monday. Ms. Dubina will be available from 2 pm to 3 pm in the library on Tuesday.
Mr. D’Andrea is expected to make his decision following the visits.
The thirteen-member selection consisted of educators, parents, and community figures. They reviewed over thirty applicants and chose to interview nine, Mr. Smith said.
