The Southern Berkshire Regional School District has rescheduled interviews for two finalists vying for the permanent superintendent position. Originally set for Thursday night, the interviews for candidates Brian Ricca and Elizabeth Legault have been moved to Monday due to Legault’s unavailability. This change comes as the district seeks leadership following the departure of former superintendent Beth Regulbuto, who transitioned to an assistant superintendent role at Brockton Public Schools.
Leadership Transition and Candidate Backgrounds
Legault resigned from her position at East Bridgewater Public Schools on April 1, 2024, after nearly a decade in the role. In her resignation letter, she noted that both she and the School Committee felt it was time for new leadership. This decision follows reports that Legault was a finalist for superintendent roles in two districts during the summer of 2024.
Ricca, who previously served as the superintendent of East Greenwich Public Schools, was appointed as the interim superintendent for the current school year. He has expressed his intention to secure the permanent position. His tenure in East Greenwich ended after a vote of no confidence by the teachers’ union, which cited a “lack of collaboration and communication,” and described him as “absent.” Ricca has since stated that he was taken aback by this vote and felt the district was not a good fit due to its size. Since joining Southern Berkshire, he has emphasized his commitment to being available and collaborative with staff and students.
Comprehensive Search Process
The search for a new superintendent has been thorough. During a recent School Committee meeting, Liz LaFond from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees praised the 19-member search committee, which she initially viewed as too large. She later described it as one of the best committees she has worked with, noting their engagement in the process. The committee reviewed 19 applications, conducted interviews with four candidates, and ultimately recommended Ricca and Legault as finalists. A motion to include a third candidate was not approved.
As the committee prepares for the rescheduled interviews, the community looks forward to finding a new leader to guide the Southern Berkshire Regional School District. The outcome of these interviews will shape the future of the district and its commitment to educational excellence.
