By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter
School Superintendent John Antonucci will remain at the helm of the district through 2030 after the School Committee unanimously approved a four-year contract extension.
The agreement extends Antonucci’s contract through the end of fiscal year 2030. It includes salary increases of 3.25% in fiscal years 2027 and 2028, followed by 2.5% increases in fiscal years 2029 and 2030.
Under the new agreement, Antonucci’s FY27 salary will be $256,535.
School Committee Chair Tasha Buzzell said the committee’s decision followed the superintendent’s annual evaluation, which included written feedback from principals, administrators and directors.
“The feedback we received was exemplary,” Buzzell said.
Antonucci, who previously had been the superintendent in Duxbury, was named the North Attleborough superintendent in 2021, succeeding Scott Holcomb.
She said the extension reflects both Antonucci’s leadership over the past five years and the committee’s desire to maintain stability during a period of significant progress for the district.
North Attleborough recently settled a new teachers contract, broke ground on its new high school and adopted an educational plan recognized by the Massachusetts School Building Authority as a model. Unlike many neighboring districts facing budget cuts and layoffs, Buzzell said North Attleborough is adding programs and filling critical positions.
“Behind all of that is the fiscal and managerial leadership provided by the superintendent, which the School Committee acknowledged with our own positive feedback and evaluations,” Buzzell said. “The superintendent’s budget work is remarkable to witness in development and execution. That may not typically be thought of as an educational process, but it lays the foundation for educational opportunities.”
Buzzell said maintaining continuity was especially important because Antonucci’s previous contract would have expired before construction of the new high school was complete.
“The superintendent and the School Committee share a goal of continuing this work without interruption,” she said. “This new contract extends Dr. Antonucci’s term here to ensure continuity while the high school is completed and the new education plan is initiated.”
Antonucci said he is grateful for the committee’s confidence and looks forward to continuing the district’s work.
“I am very excited about my new contract,” he said. “Having the stability of another four years allows me to continue the work we have built over the last five years and maintain the momentum we have created.”
He described the agreement as the result of “fair and thoughtful conversations” with the School Committee and said it reflects a shared commitment to the district’s future.
While overseeing construction of the new high school will remain a major priority, Antonucci said several other initiatives are also underway.
“We unveiled a new strategic plan this year, and there is a great deal more to accomplish,” he said. “That includes implementing our ‘Vision of a Rocketeer’ initiative PK-12, advancing our long-range capital plan, strengthening school safety and security, and continuing to expand opportunities for our students and staff.”
He said the district will continue pursuing improvement all areas.
“One of our core values is continuous growth and improvement, and that commitment will not change,” Antonucci said. “I am excited to continue working alongside our outstanding staff, School Committee, students, families and community as we build on the district’s success.”