Stoneham School Committee unanimously ratifies superintendent contract with Dr. DeFrancisco

STONEHAM -- April 11, 2025, Stoneham School Committee unanimously appoints Dr. Kristen DeFrancisco as district superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. The committee voted 5-0 Friday afternoon to ratify her contract following a community-inclusive search that drew roughly 15 town employees and residents onto a search committee, produced three public finalists who toured the district and met with staff, and concluded with negotiations the committee described as successful. A School Committee member noted DeFrancisco "has already started reaching out to make introductions to people she hasn't met" ahead of her summer start date. The committee also announced its April 17 meeting has been moved to Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. to clear the schedule for a tri-board session with the Finance and Advisory Committee on April 17.