Tim Herbert was unanimously and enthusiastically approved by the Concord Board of Education to serve as the school district’s next superintendent.
Herbert, 44, had been principal of Concord High School since the fall of 2023. With both a doctorate in education and active superintendent credentials, he stepped into the position of superintendent on an interim basis at the end of the summer when Kathleen Murphy went on medical leave. He was the sole finalist to be hired for the post long-term.
With his wife, Leigh, and three children in attendance, as well as four district principals, Herbert’s appointment won him an extended standing ovation.
“You jumped in with both feet and we really appreciate it,” said Board President Pamela Walsh.
The vote also formally initiates the search for a new Concord High School principal.
Kris Gallo, the longtime principal at Christa McAuliffe School, stepped into that position when Herbert moved to the central office. Gallo will retire at the end of this year, she confirmed.
Two finalists have emerged for the principal position at McAuliffe, administrators announced, who were set to meet with parents Tuesday afternoon from 3–4 p.m. at the downtown school.
Murphy was hired at a time when the education climate in the city was more testy. Concord was still stinging from a sexual assault scandal and a global pandemic that left public education on shaky ground. Murphy was credited with steering the district through those difficult times.
The superintendent search process was more low-key this time.
In an interview with the Monitor last week, Herbert said he wanted to help teachers hone classroom and teaching strategies, especially with many veteran teachers approaching retirement, and expand project-based learning throughout the district.