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APS Superintendent Search

The School Committee is pleased to announce that Keith Taverna has been appointed as the next superintendent of Andover Public Schools. Mr. Taverna brings more than 17 years of experience in public education and a demonstrated commitment to student achievement and community engagement.

Mr. Taverna had successfully led the district as interim superintendent since February, following the departure of Dr. Magda Parvey. A key member of the APS leadership team, Mr. Taverna joined APS in 2022 as the assistant superintendent of Finance and Administration. 

Mr. Taverna holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Clark University and is licensed as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

His appointment follows a comprehensive and inclusive search process that began in early 2026 and attracted 36 applicants. The process included extensive community outreach through focus groups, informal forums, surveys, and opportunities for stakeholders to meet with finalists. This engagement ensured the selected candidate reflects the priorities and values of the Andover Public Schools community.

Following tonight’s vote, the School Committee will begin contract negotiations with Mr. Taverna. His anticipated start date as the permanent superintendent is July 1, 2026.

The School Committee extends its sincere appreciation to the APS community and the members of the Screening Committee whose time, insight, and dedication were instrumental in shaping a thoughtful and successful search process. 

Search assets

KT

APS Superintendent Search Finalists

Superintendent Search Timeline

January - March 2026:

  • February 12/February 26th: RFP opens/closes

  • March 26th: NESDEC attends their first School Committee meeting to review timeline, screening committee composition, and process

  • March 30th: NESDEC advertises position & recruitment process through April  29, 2026

  • March 31st - April 10th:  Online survey for APS staff, students, families and Andover community

April 2026

  • Week of April 13th: NESDEC conducts focus groups/interviews and develops candidate profile

  • Informal Forums - April 11th & 14th


  • April 24th: NESDEC presents candidate profile for School Committee approval

May 2026

  • May 18th: APS Screening Committee recommends finalist candidates to School Committee

  • May 21st: Finalists announced

June 2026

  • June 8th: "Day in the District" visit with Mr. Crozier

  • June 9th: "Day in the District" visit with Mr. Taverna

  • June 11th: Finalist Interviews

  • June 13th: School Committee Informal Forum

  • June 15th: School Committee Meeting - Superintendent Selection

Background

In January 2026, the Andover School Committee began discussions regarding a comprehensive search process for a permanent superintendent, with the goal of appointing a new superintendent by July 1, 2026. This process will include extensive feedback and engagement with the community. 

In March, following a “Request for Proposal” (RFP) process, the Committee voted to approve the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to support the district in its executive search process. For over seven decades, NESDEC has assisted school boards and committees in identifying and selecting outstanding leaders who align with the community’s vision and values. 

The School Committee’s goal is for the profile of a successful candidate to be determined with input from the Andover community, including parents/guardians, students, educators, administrators, staff and the community at large.

Superintendent Search Screening Committee

School Committee Members

Shauna Murray, Jake Tamarkin

Community Members

Glen Stump, Beth Dunne

Principals

Matthew Fox (West Middle), Sarah Leveque (High Plain)

Staff/Elementary

Tricia Xavier

Staff/Middle

Emily Thompson

Staff/High School

Lindsey L’Ecuyer

Instructional Assistant

Karen Torres

APS Central Office

Nicole Kieser

APS Human Resources

George Puddister

Town of Andover

Brittany Lavoie

Documents of Interest