Mayo-Brown the School Committee Pick for Barnstable Superintendent

Fall River Public Schools Superintendent Meg Mayo-Brown, who was chosen for the Barnstable spot Friday night by the School Committee.

BARNSTABLE – After a close vote Friday night, the Barnstable School Committee formally chose the next Superintendent of Schools.

Committee Chair Margeaux Weber and committee members Patrick Murphy and Mike Judge voted for Fall River Public Schools Superintendent Meg Mayo-Brown.

All five voting members, also including Chris Joyce and Stephanie Ellis, said the decision was especially difficult.

Weber said a keen sense of observation and desire for the spot was one of many elements that drew her to Mayo-Brown.

“I see a fire in her belly that is rare,” Weber said. “She wants to be in Barnstable, she wants to advance her career in order to better herself and better our district.”

Murphy said Mayo-Brown had the most experience of the finalists.

“The fact that there’s an opportunity for her to come to Barnstable…is an opportunity that we can’t miss; we have to go and get her,” Murphy said.

A search committee was formed following Mary Czajkowski’s departure from the role in July.

That committee received 19 completed applications, which was whittled down to eight semifinalists and then 3 finalists: Mayo-Brown, Holliston Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Sara Ahern and Wilmington Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Kathleen Burnham.

The four-month process culminated this week after the three made their last pitch to the committee Thursday night.

The school board will now enter into an executive session to assemble a contract and make negotiations with Mayo-Brown.