The Melrose Superintendent Search Committee has named five finalists for the Melrose Public Schools superintendent job, one of which is Dr. Kristan Rodriguez, assistant superintendent in Chelmsford.

Rodriguez started her job at Chelmsford Public Schools in July. Before becoming the assistant superintendent, Rodriguez was the curriculum director in Georgetown. She holds a bachelor's degree from Boston University, a master's degree from Gordon College and a doctorate from Boston College.

Rodriguez this year has brought in many guest speakers for teachers' professional development and been working with NEASC, who accredits schools, as they stop by Chelmsford this year.

”In the short time that she has been here, Dr. Rodriguez has been an integral part of moving our district forward in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment," said Chelmsford Superintendent Frank Tiano. "She has also been a key person in the development of our strategic plan which will guide our actions for the next five years. It is no surprise that she is being considered for a superintendent position as there is a strong demand for an educator of her caliber for that role.” 

The Melrose School Committee will perform site visits starting next week to the candidates' districts, which will be reviewed at the committee's meeting on March 20, and background and reference checks.

Then from March 19-29, the candidates will conduct site visits in Melrose followed by public interviews before the School Committee the same day, with the goal of making a final decision at a School Committee meeting on March 28 or 29 and coming to a contract agreement by April 3.