2024 - 2025 Superintendent Search

Falmouth Public Schools to Vote on New Superintendent of Schools

The Falmouth School Board is pleased to announce that it has entered into negotiations with Steve Nolan to become the district’s next Superintendent of Schools, with a start date of July 1, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in educational leadership, Nolan is committed to fostering educational excellence, inclusivity, and data-driven results. His proven success in strategic planning, community engagement, and student-centered leadership will drive the district’s continued growth and ensure a high-quality education for every student.

Following extensive community feedback through focus groups and an online survey, the Board believes Mr. Nolan exceeds the qualities our community has identified for Falmouth’s next leader, including:

Educational Leadership
As Superintendent of Regional School Unit 40 in Union, ME, for over 10 years, Nolan successfully managed a district of seven schools serving 1,750 students and 400 staff members. He implemented key initiatives such as the development of student-centered curriculum and a data-driven culture to support academic success and professional growth. Nolan also maximized the school schedule to promote teacher collaboration, meet all students’ needs and improve learning outcomes.

Engaged Communicator
Mr. Nolan is known for his transparent communication and ability to engage all stakeholders—students, staff, parents/guardians, and the community. He prioritizes trust-building and a positive school climate, fostering a shared vision for student success through open dialogue. Nolan fostered partnerships with local organizations to create authentic learning experiences that reinforced connecting students with their broader community.

Collaborative Leadership
Nolan emphasizes collaboration, building professional learning communities, and working closely with teachers and administrators to drive continuous improvement. He partnered with school and community leaders to develop a comprehensive education plan tailored to the district’s needs, focusing on student growth and achievement.

Experienced Operations and Management Leader
In addition to his leadership role, Nolan has managed district operations, including budgets and resource allocation. He led successful capital projects and implemented a 1:1 technology program to enhance student learning. Nolan also established and expanded Pre-K programming to better meet the needs of the community.

Before becoming Superintendent, Nolan served as Principal and Assistant Principal at Lincoln Middle School in Portland, ME, and taught math for 11 years in Maine and California.

Nolan holds a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Southern Maine. He is a member of several education associations, including the Maine School Superintendents Association, AASA, The School Superintendents Association, and the New England School Development Council.

“We are confident that Steve Nolan’s leadership will help Falmouth Public Schools continue to thrive,” said Analiese Larson, School Board Chair. “His vision, collaborative approach, and commitment to academic excellence will ensure every student is set up for success.”

A comprehensive entry plan will be in place to ensure that students, staff, parents/guardians and community members meet Mr. Nolan at the beginning of the school year. The Board will vote on Monday, March 31st at 5:30pm (snow date: April 1st) to approve his hiring.

Meeting Recordings

12/5/24 Message from the School Board

Message from the Falmouth School Board

12/5/2024

Dear Falmouth Community,

As many of you may have seen in yesterday’s announcement, after careful consideration, Superintendent McNulty has decided to conclude her tenure at the end of her contract on June 30, 2025. The school board is grateful for her dedication and the significant contributions she has made during her time with us.

With a commitment to fostering a positive educational environment, Superintendent McNulty has led one of the state’s premier school districts for four years. Embracing the role of Superintendent during the COVID-19 pandemic, her dedication to this district of 2000 students and 500 staff members has strengthened its foundation in key areas such as a strategic plan focused on student learning and well-being, a district wide safety committee, and an improved communication platform. Most recently, she guided a successful grant initiative to establish a new pre-K program, expanding educational opportunities for our youngest learners. We extend our thanks to Superintendent McNulty for her service and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.

As we prepare for this transition, the School Board is committed to a thorough and thoughtful search for our next leader. We recognize the importance of this decision and the vital role that community input plays in identifying a candidate who will continue to advance our mission of providing an exceptional education for every student.

The Board will hold a Special Meeting next Monday December 9th at 5:30 pm in the high school library to begin the planning for the superintendent search process. This meeting will focus on the logistics of the search. Over the next few months, there will be ample opportunities for the school community and public to share their thoughts and opinions on what they envision for our next school leader.

Thank you for your consideration and collaboration,

Sincerely,

Analiese Larson

Chair

Falmouth School Board

Superintendent Search Consultant Proposals

Superintendent Application

Online Survey and Focus Groups

Superintendent Search Consultant, Survey, and Focus Groups

The Falmouth School Board has engaged the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to assist in the search for a new Superintendent of Schools.

NESDEC and the Falmouth School Board requested parent/guardian and community participation in the needs assessment process via an online survey that ran from January 27th until February 13th. Additionally, three virtual focus groups were hosted by NESDEC consultant Dr. David DeRuosi on Tuesday, February 11 at 9:30am and 6:30pm, and Wednesday, February 12 at 4:30pm.

The focus groups and the survey were designed to enable participants to provide insight into the knowledge, skills, and experiences they want the new superintendent to possess.

Online Survey Results

Successful Candidate Profile

During the week of February 10, 2025, the Falmouth School Board, with the assistance of the New England School Development Council (NESDEC), conducted a Community Needs Assessment through a series of focus groups and an online survey.

We had robust participation and the feedback submitted by our community has been reviewed and analyzed to create Falmouth's Successful Candidate Profile.

The School Board wishes to thank everyone who participated for your valuable input.

Screening Committee

Finalists

FALMOUTH SCHOOL BOARD ANNOUNCES FINALISTS

IN SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH

Following a nationwide search, the Superintendent Search Screening Committee has narrowed the pool of applicants down to two finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools. There were 14 applicants from across the country. The finalists are:

Dr. Martin Grimm of Prince William County Public Schools

Steve Nolan of Regional School Unit 40

Their resumes can be viewed here: Dr. Martin Grimm resume; Steve Nolan resume

“The Falmouth School Board is excited to bring these candidates forward to our community. This process has been guided by extensive online survey and focus group feedback received from students, parents/guardians, staff and community members. We are grateful for the outstanding work of the Superintendent Screening Committee and to the finalists who are ready to serve our district. We look forward to the final steps and appointing the next Superintendent of Falmouth Schools.”

- Alicia Johnson, Superintendent Search Chair

The Superintendent Screening Committee met February 24th through March 13th to review applications and to interview candidates for the position of Superintendent. Applicants represented a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds. After carefully reviewing the applications, the committee selected several candidates for preliminary interviews. Based on these discussions, the committee has recommended the above finalists for further consideration by the Falmouth School Board.

The two finalists will now visit the district on March 21st for a campus tour and to take part in interview sessions with the School Board. Following the completion of the finalists interviews and extensive reference checks, the Board will select the candidate it intends to appoint as Superintendent of Falmouth Schools.

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