Dr. Kristin DeFrancisco Selected as New Stoneham Public Schools Superintendent Pending Final Contract Negotiations

STONEHAM — The Stoneham School Committee has selected Dr. Kristin DeFrancisco as the new Superintendent of Stoneham Public Schools. She will begin work in Stoneham on July 1, pending successful contract negotiations. Dr. DeFrancisco, the Assistant Superintendent of Groton-Dunstable Regional School District, was one of three finalists the School Committee chose following an extensive search process. The Stoneham School Committee unanimously approved Dr. DeFrancisco’s appointment at a meeting on Monday, March 24.

Dr. DeFrancisco has built a successful career in educational leadership, with experience serving as a principal for Arlington Public Schools from 2013 to 2020 before assuming her position as Assistant Superintendent in Groton and Dunstable.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Regis College as well as a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Organization from Rivier University.

“I would like to offer my heartfelt gratitude to the Stoneham School Committee for extending the offer to be Stoneham Public Schools’ next Superintendent. I am truly honored to be chosen and look forward to partaking in successful contract negotiations,” said Dr. DeFrancisco. “I felt readily welcomed throughout the interview process, and it became very clear to me that the School Committee, administration, teachers and students of Stoneham are proud to be part of this school community. I look forward to working alongside educators, families and community members to continue building on the District’s strengths and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.”

The School Committee initiated the search process in January, when it invited members of the Stoneham community to serve on a Screening Committee. The screening committee was made up of parents, community stakeholders, residents, district representatives and two members of the School Committee. They met on several occasions from February 11, 2025, through March 11, 2025, to review applications, to interview candidates and to ultimately recommend the final three candidates to the School Committee for further consideration.

The three finalists visited the District on March 18, 19, and 20 for meet and greets and interviews. Feedback was collected through online surveys to assist the School Committee in its decision. The School Committee met again on Monday evening to deliberate and make its decision.

“The search for our next Superintendent of Schools has been an extensive and inclusive process that involved all facets of our community,” Chair Jaime Wallace said. “As a result of the process, each School Committee member came to the same consensus that Kristin DeFrancisco was the clear choice to lead Stoneham Public Schools, and we couldn’t be more excited.”