School Committee appoints Dr. Henry Turner as Superintendent
(2-3 minute read)
Dr. Henry Turner, selected as Superintendent after a School Committee interview and vote. Photo from Dave Burgess Consulting.
Following a multi-step search process and public deliberation, the School Committee voted on April 4, 2026, to appoint Dr. Henry Turner as the district’s next Superintendent.
The decision came after a 90-minute interview with Turner on March 31 and additional discussion at the April 4 meeting, culminating in a final unanimous vote.
A multi-step search process
Turner emerged as a finalist following a search process that initially identified four candidates for interviews.
However, prior to the interview stage, one candidate accepted a position in another district, and two candidates withdrew from consideration to remain in their current roles.
As a result, the process ultimately included a single public interview with Turner.
Despite the outcome, the search committee process remained extensive, including:
A search committee process that engages with more than 45 individuals familiar with Turner’s leadership as Principal of Newton North High School
A community forum conducted via Zoom on March 25
A School Committee interview on March 31
The process was designed to give both the Committee and the community a deeper understanding of Turner’s leadership style, experience, and impact.
Initial vote and reconsideration
During the April 4 meeting, the School Committee first voted 5-1 in favor of appointing Turner, with Carla Nazarro voting in opposition.
Following that vote, Nazarro requested a reconsideration. The Committee then held a second vote, resulting in a unanimous 6-0 decision to appoint Turner as Superintendent.
Committee discussion and decision
Members of the Committee pointed to several factors in supporting Turner’s appointment:
His leadership experience at a large, comprehensive high school
Feedback gathered from the Newton Community
His performance during the interview process
His vision for the district moving forward
The discussion reflected both support for Turner’s qualifications and the importance of reaching a unified decision as the district prepares for its next phase of leadership.
Next steps
Following the vote, the School Committee entered into executive session to begin discussions regarding Turner’s contract.
Additional details on the agreement, including terms and start date, are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.
Dr. Turner’s appointment marks the next step in the district’s leadership transition, following a search process that included both community input and Committee deliberation - even as the final stage narrowed to a single candidate.
