Current Status
The board has authorized negotiations with its preferred superintendent candidate following a search process that narrowed the field to two finalists. An official announcement is pending the completion of these negotiations.
Overview
- On May 11, 2026, the board authorized its chair to enter negotiations with the preferred candidate for the superintendent position.
- The board announced two finalists for the superintendent role and scheduled a community meet-and-greet for May 6th, as noted on April 29, 2026.
- On February 9, 2026, the board made a one-time exception to policy to allow student representatives to participate in confidential semi-finalist interviews.
- A board member noted low attendance at a virtual forum and urged broader community participation in feedback sessions during the February 4, 2026 meeting.
- The board approved contracts with the search firm Zeal for national advertising and comprehensive background checks on January 12, 2026.
- After hearing from three firms, the board voted 4-2 on December 10, 2025, to hire ZEAL Education Group to facilitate the superintendent search.
Perspectives
Board
- Debated the high cost of the chosen search firm, Zeal, against its perceived benefits of a comprehensive, board-centric process.
- Expressed concern over low public attendance at early feedback forums.
- Valued Zeal's expert guidance, national reach, and process designed to build board consensus.
Administration
- Strongly criticized the board's decision to conduct a closed search process, arguing it damaged public trust.
Staff
- Argued that excluding key stakeholders from the search committee devalued the community's voice.
Citizens
- Voiced strong criticism during public comment regarding the closed search process and lack of stakeholder inclusion on the search committee.
Key Resolutions & Votes
| Date | Motion | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 11, 2026 | To authorize the Chair to enter into negotiations with the superintendent candidate per the guidance provided by the Board in Executive session | Passed |
| February 9, 2026 | approve a one-time exception to the administrative procedure prohibiting student representatives on the Board from participating in executive sessions (BBAB-R) in order to enable our student representatives to personally meet with the semi-finalists for the Superintendent position provided that the following conditions are strictly observed: A. The student representatives must attend training on confidentiality and bias in the hiring process; B. The student representatives must agree in writing not to discuss or to share any information about the candidates with any individual (peers, family member, staff, citizens) outside of executive session, and must alert the Board Chair and Vice Chair immediately of any inquiries for them to share information; C. The student representatives will not be involved in deliberations with the School Board and will have no vote; D. The student representative must be available to meet with each semi-finalist; and E. No candidate expresses an objection to this arrangement | Passed |
| January 12, 2026 | to approve the contract with Zeal for the Superintendent Search | Passed |
| January 12, 2026 | to approve national advertising with The School Superintendents Association (AASA) for the Superintendent Search not to exceed $3,500 | Passed |
| January 12, 2026 | to approve background checks on the Superintendent Search finalists not to exceed $1,595 per finalist | Passed |
| December 10, 2025 | To approve the amendment to New Business Item 2.0 | Passed |
| December 10, 2025 | To partner with the Zeal agency to assist in the Superintendent Search contingent upon Ms. DeAngelis and Ms. Richardson conducting satisfactory reference checks on all Zeal references | Passed |
Meeting History
May 11, 2026
May 11, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search
The board authorized the chair to enter negotiations with their preferred candidate for the superintendent position. The decision followed a robust search process that narrowed the field to two finalists, and an announcement will be made once negotiations are complete.
April 29, 2026
April 29, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search Finalists
The South Portland School Board announced two finalists for the superintendent of schools position. A community meet-and-greet event was scheduled for May 6th at South Portland Middle School to allow the public to interact with both candidates.
Public Criticism of Superintendent Search
During public comment, numerous citizens, teachers, and administrators strongly criticized the Board's decision to conduct a closed superintendent search process. Speakers argued that excluding key stakeholders from the search committee devalued the community's voice and damaged public trust.
February 9, 2026
February 9, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search Update
The board is proceeding with its superintendent search, facilitated by the firm Zeal, and emphasized opportunities for public input through forums and a Thought Exchange survey. A significant decision was made to allow student representatives to participate in the confidential semi-finalist interviews under strict conditions, marking a one-time exception to policy.
February 4, 2026
February 4, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search
A board member announced the ongoing search for a new superintendent to replace the retiring interim superintendent. She urged broader community participation in upcoming feedback sessions, noting that attendance at a recent virtual forum was very low.
January 12, 2026
January 12, 2026 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search Progress
The board approved contracts and expenses with Zeal for the Superintendent Search, including national advertising with AASA and comprehensive background checks for finalists, despite some discussion regarding additional fees.
December 17, 2025
December 17, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search Update
The Chair announced upcoming dates related to the superintendent search, including a public workshop with the selected search firm, Zeal, on December 22nd and a community forum for public input on January 22nd.
December 10, 2025
December 10, 2025 — School Board Meeting — SPSD
Superintendent Search Firm Presentations
The board heard presentations from three firms to lead the upcoming Superintendent Search: Maine School Management Association (MSMA), New England School Development Council (NESDEC), and ZEAL Education Group. Each firm outlined their process, experience, and approach to finding candidates.
Maine School Management Association (MSMA) Proposal
Eric Waddell of MSMA presented their services, emphasizing their deep, Maine-specific expertise and ongoing post-hire mentorship included with membership. Their model is flexible, offering a la carte services with a full search costing around $8,000, and they stressed their ability to tap into a strong local network of educators.
New England School Development Council (NESDEC) Proposal
Dr. David Dusi of NESDEC detailed their New England-wide reach and structured process. Their approach involves extensive community focus groups and surveys to build a candidate profile, which then guides a stakeholder-led screening committee that reviews all applicants before presenting finalists to the board.
ZEAL Education Group Proposal
Dr. Jeff Melendez of Zeal presented a high-touch "concierge" model where the board itself acts as the selection committee, guided by Zeal's expert team. Their process includes an intensive week of stakeholder engagement, unique tools like "Superintendent Personas," and a focus on building board consensus, with a higher price point reflecting the comprehensive support.
Board Deliberation and Decision
Board members debated the merits of each firm, weighing Zeal's comprehensive but costly approach against the more traditional and affordable options from NESDEC and MSMA. Proponents of Zeal valued the expert guidance, the board-centric process designed to build consensus, and the firm's diverse team and national reach.
Concerns and Final Vote
Some members expressed significant concern over Zeal's higher cost, especially given the district's budget constraints, and questioned if the value justified the price compared to the other firms. Despite these concerns, the board moved into a special meeting and voted 4-2 to hire ZEAL Education Group, contingent on positive reference checks.