Theresa McGuinness
Watertown’s new Superintendent, Dede Galdston, speaks to the School Committee as her family look on. Her husband is in the front row and her four sons are sitting in the row behind,
The School Committee officially welcomed Watertown’s next superintendent, Dede Galdston, on Monday night when they also approved her contract.
Galdston told the School Committee she is grateful for the appointment and she is excited to be coming to Watertown.
“First off, than you all for believing in me and having the confidence that I will shepherd you through the coming years and helping the children of Watertown move forward,” Galdston said.
She will continue to work in her current position of assistant superintendent in Billerica through the end of June, but she has already started getting to know her new district.
“I have been here already, and I can’t wait to get started with the work,” Galdston said.
The incoming superintendent brought her husband and four sons to the School Committee meeting.
“I thank them,” she said. “With out them I could not do the job.”
Galdston will take over her new position on July 1, 2017, and her contract gives her a salary of $175,000 in the first year of the three year deal, said School Committee Chairman John Portz. There are opportunities for adjustments in subsequent years.
The deal is slightly below what former Superintendent Jean Fitzgerald earned in her final year when her salary was $180,000.
School Committee member Guido Guidotti said he looks forward to Galdston coming on board.
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Galdston,” Guidotti said. “I am confident she will thrive here.”
Town Council President Mark Sideris also welcomed her, and said he looks forward to working with her.