Essex Westford School District has hired its new superintendent. After searching nationwide for someone to fill this position, Mark Holodick was chosen. 

Originally from Delaware, Dr. Mark Holodick was previously the superintendent in the Brandywine School District in Wilmington, Delaware, from 2008 to 2019.  From 2019 to 2021, Holodick worked at the University of Delaware in the College of Education and Human Development, and as Delaware’s Secretary of Education for the past three years. 

“I’m coming to Vermont to be the superintendent of the best school district in the state,” Holodick said via email.

Holodick is excited about working with students, families, colleagues, the Board, and all stakeholders in EWSD.

“I’ve been very impressed with the level of engagement from stakeholders in the district and the overall interest community members have for student and district performance,” Holodick wrote.

“The education system in EWSD is clearly a priority and valued.” 

Holodick is excited to increase opportunities and improve outcomes for the students. He believes that listening to all people, all perspectives, and all ideas is very important. 

“The most important thing I can do right now is listen,” he wrote.

Holodick believes that educators should have very high expectations for themselves, and provide all the support each student needs to be successful. Students need to feel valued, heard, and cared for in their school, regardless of whether it’s an elementary, intermediate, middle, or high school. 

“I have always found that students want the same thing as adults: to be heard, considered, and treated with respect and care.”