Thursday, 4:30 PM
Burlington schools superintendent dies unexpectedly
By Eric Moskowitz, Globe Staff
Burlington Public Schools Superintendent Katie Spinos died unexpectedly Tuesday, less than a month before the start of the school year.
Spinos, 48, was about to begin her first full year as superintendent in Burlington, where she had spent 7 1/2 years as assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction. The School Committee unanimously appointed her superintendent last year to replace James Picone, who retired at the end of 2006.
The Burlington School Committee and school administrators issued a joint statement calling Spinos's death "a tragic loss for her family, the entire town of Burlington, and the broader educational community. Katie's core values and moral fiber were unquestionable, her compassion boundless. Katie was truly a visionary whose passion, leadership, and dedication will be sorely missed."
Spinos, who lived in Arlington, served as assistant superintendent for planning and operations in Newton before joining the Burlington schools in 1999. She began her career as a special educator and earned undergraduate and master's degrees from Boston College.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
The Burlington School Committee will hold an emergency meeting Thursday night to discuss a transition plan, Chairman Stephen A. Nelson said.
"Right now we're all stunned by the news," he said.
