MILFORD — The School Committee is searching for a new leader for Milford Public Schools after longtime Superintendent of Schools Kevin McIntyre announced his retirement effective next year.
McIntyre said he would step down as superintendent, effective July 1, but won't fully retire until the following year. In the meantime, he said he would mentor his successor while in a role similar to that of an acting assistant superintendent, noting that a superintendent's first year is often among the most challenging in an educator's career.
"One thing we do in education is we do transitions poorly," McIntyre told the Daily News in an interview. "Principal leaves, the superintendent leaves, the next person comes in and then there's kind of a reshuffling period. The goal, which is a little unusual in this process, is to try to make the transition seamless."
In addition, McIntyre pointed to a number of significant projects that require continuity. These include the Milford High School building project — the town received approval last year from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) to begin planning a new high school building — and new curriculum coming online.
“By planning his retirement well in advance and continuing to support the transition, we are demonstrating our commitment to the future of Milford Public Schools and to a process that prioritizes academic excellence and thoughtful succession,” School Committee Chair Matthew Zacchilli said in a statement.
McIntyre, who will be 55 at the time of his retirement, said he's looking forward to more family time and more flexibility as well.
Where does McIntyre's 2025-26 role fit in the budget?
It's unclear how McIntyre will be compensated during his year of mentorship. Zacchilli told the Daily News that the School Committee will first have to complete the hiring process to see what the leadership structure will look like in the district office for the next fiscal year.
McIntyre plans to officially retire in August 2026. He said he's doing so because it's time and he's ready for a new challenge.
“I love the community, I love the school district, I love the families and students, the people I’ve worked with, but it’s time for me to retire and for me to make a change,” he said.
McIntyre has led Milford Public Schools since 2016; he was previously an assistant superintendent in Milford from 2013-16. Before that, he was an assistant principal and principal in Tewksbury Public Schools.
He holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Northeastern University; a master’s degree in administration, planning and social policy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education; and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the State University of New York at Albany.
Last year, McIntyre was one of three finalists for superintendent of Leominster Public Schools, but the Leominster School Committee selected another candidate.
Milford's search for a new superintendent is underway, with the goal of having McIntyre's successor in place by July 1, the start of the next fiscal year.