Cambridge Chooses New Schools Superintendent

Taking swift action just four days after Superintendent of Schools Bobbie J. D’Alessandro announced her resignation, the Cambridge School Committee appointed her long-time assistant to fill the vacancy last night.

Deputy Superintendent Carolyn Turk will fill the district’s top post while the committee searches for a permanent leader.

The search for D’Alessandro’s successor began in November after the committee voted 6-1 not to extend her contract.

Turk, who has served as D’Alessandro’s chief assistant for four years, specializes in curriculum development and planning.

“I think she is an excellent choice, and I’m very happy for her,” D’Alessandro said. “I’m very proud that she will be my replacement.”

The five members of the committee present at last night’s meeting voted unanimously to appoint Turk, calling the choice “natural.”

“She’s quite familiar with the system,” said committee member Joseph G. Grassi. “It’s an opportunity for us to really move things forward.”

Turk steps into Cambridge schools’ top position as it battles a nearly $4 million budget deficit, sharply declining enrollment and the chaos of nearly ten months of debate over a series of plans to merge or close elementary schools.

But despite recent turmoil, committee members said they thought the sudden change in leadership would not derail the system.

“You couldn’t ask for better stability,” said committee member Alan C. Price. “The entire committee respects Dr. Turk. It’s a wonderful, natural choice.”

Last night, the committee also discussed their plans to involve Cambridge residents in the search process, including a two-day marathon of interviews with a search firm in March.

D’Alessandro will take the helm of a $150 million research initiative in Newton, Mass. later this month.

—Staff writer Claire A. Pasternack can be reached at cpastern@fas.harvard.edu.