FAQ on superintendents in Massachusetts

 I will let what I said stand on its own regarding Dr. Monárrez, but I'm seeing some questions come up that are pretty straightforward "how does the superintendency in Massachusetts and elsewhere work?" questions, so let's look at those. As always, I post this in my personal capacity.
I'll add to this if I see more. 

Is three years "short" for a superintendency?

Not really. This is actually a somewhat difficult thing to nail down, but frequently, it's said that city superintendents on average have a tenure of between 3 and 5 years, with a 2018 look from the Broad Center coming in a bit higher. 

While Worcester isn't among the 100 largest school districts, it has more in common with those districts than we do with our neighbors.

Is this an unusual time for such an announcement to happen?

No, this is exactly when a lot of these announcements happen, for the simple reason that it is when a lot of hiring happens. In fact, we're about at the anniversary of Dr. Monárrez being appointed. 

Does the district now need a superintendent?

Yes, districts in Massachusetts are required to have a superintendent.

Does there have to be a search?

No, there is no requirement that searches be conducted before an appointment.

What are the requirements of the school committee appointing a superintendent?

They have to conduct the vote in a properly posted public session, and they have to appoint someone who either holds or is eligible to hold a licensure for superintendent in Massachusetts.

Is there anyone who cannot be appointed?

Yes, because a school committee member cannot be a teacher or a superintendent in the district in which they are on the committee, a superintendent cannot be a member of their own school committee, per MGL Ch. 71, sec. 52.

Also, one cannot be a member of the appointing authority and apply for a position, under the conflict of interest laws (MGL Ch. 268A).