Peabody school committee names former Salem head of schools as interim superintendent

By Stewart Bishop, Town Correspondent

The Peabody School Committee voted unanimously last night to install former Salem Public Schools superintendent Dr. Herbert Levine as interim superintendent for the Peabody district until a permanent replacement could be found, according to Mayor Michael Bonfanti.

Bonfanti, who also chairs the School Committee, said after interviewing several candidates, the school committee felt it needed more time to conduct a more comprehensive search for someone to head the school district.

"The reaction was 'let's not rush this, let's take the time to do thorough research," Bonfanti said. "I think it was a wise choice, the most important decision a school committee can make is hiring a good superintendent."

In the meantime, Bonfanti said the school committee felt comfortable having Levine step in on an interim basis.

"Dr. Levine was superintendent in Salem for many years and has a sterling reputation."

Levine, a longtime Peabody resident, will replace Milton Burnett, who retired on Monday, July 11. Bonfanti said Levine would start soon and would be paid on a per deim basis. He said the superintendent's salary is in the $150,000 range.

Stewart Bishop can be reached at sbishop@globe.com