V. James Marini, former principal of this school, is now interim superintendent for this school year.
Last year, former superintendent Jeffrey Young accepted a position as superintendent of schools in Cambridge.
Marini spoke to Newton Public Schools faculty at the opening day meeting Sept. 2 at South.
“I cannot tell you how pleased I am to be with you today,” Marini said. “Last year, I had no idea I would be here.
“Every school year brings the possibility of hope, optimism,and excitement for a new school year.
“I want to provide the leadership for you to do what it is you need to do.”
School Committee chair Marc Laredo ‘77 said seven applications were submitted for the job, but a subcommittee deemed none of the applicants qualified.
“We reached out to former principal Jim Marini,” Laredo said. “Because he was retired, we had to go through a process to get permission from the state.”
Laredo said the Committee voted unanimously to elect Marini interim superintendent until July 1, 2010.
Marini graduated from Newton High School in 1963. He attended Newton Junior College until 1966, when he entered Boston State College. He majored in mathematics and earned a bachelor’s of science in 1970.
He began teaching math that year at F. A. Day Junior High. In 1974, while still at Day, he received a master’s in education from Antioch University.
Marini was assistant principal at Day from 1978 to 1985, when he became associate principal at Concord Middle School.
In 1987 he became principal at Concord, where he stayed until he became principal here in 1990.
In 1999, Marini left to become assistant superintendent for high schools and operations. In 2002, he became superintendent of schools in Winchester, until he retired in 2007.
Laredo said the School Committee has formed a Search Committee, which is in the process of conducting a nationwide search for a new superintendent, to be hired by March or April.
The 21-member committee is chaired by Claire Sokoloff, the School Committee vice-chair, and Reenie Murphy, a School Committee member.
English teacher Inez Dover said Marini’s ability to work with people will benefit him as superintendent.
“He had a knack for being around,” Dover said of his time as principal. “He was always on Main Street, and he always knew what everybody was doing.
“One of his best skills was being able to communicate with all kinds of people. He is so personable.
“He was able to bring out the best in people. He knew everyone’s skills and how to make them shine, and use their capabilities.”
History and social sciences teacher Ty Vignone said Marini’s best features include “being upfront, honest and shooting from the hip. He loves his staff and his students,” he said.

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