Schools

Kingston 'Re-Ups' as Superintendent Until June 2014

No increase in pay for interim superintendent.

Caution: Thomas Kingston can become habit forming.

What in the summer of 2011 was hoped to be a short-term appointment was officially lengthened for a second time as the Belmont School Committee voted unanimously Tuesday, Jan. 29 to extended the stay of "interim" Superintendent Dr. Thomas Kingston for an additional year.

The Arlington-native, who retired from leading the Chelsea School in 2011, will now lead the Belmont School District until June 2014.

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"We are very grateful" that Kingston accepted the extension of his contract, said School Committee Chairwoman Laurie Graham, "but I want to nail this down quickly before he changes his mind." 

Under his new contract, Kingston will receive the same $150,000 annual salary since accepting the position in June 2011 while his vacation time will increase from 20 to 25 days. 

Find out what's happening in Belmontwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Retaining Kingston will allow for stability in the district's administration as contract negotiations begin with teachers and staff this year.

Graham said the additional time will allow the committee to cement goals and a vision for the next superintendent with a search process set to commence in September 2013.

The Arlington resident was selected in June 2011 as interim superintendent after the then-Belmont Superintendent George Entwistle left to take over a school district in his native Maine.


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