By Sophia Aigner

The East Greenwich School Committee advanced its search for a new superintendent Tuesday night, selecting J.E. Consulting to assist in finding a permanent replacement for Supt. Victor Mercurio, who resigned in September and will be leaving in December.

The decision to hire Erardi was unanimous.

Committee Vice Chair Lori McEwen, a former assistant superintendent herself who is now an educational consultant*, spoke in favor of J.E. Consulting, noting Joseph Erardi’s “integrity, impartiality, and his ability to reach out to various stakeholders for efficient search.”

Erardi served as school superintendent of Newtown, Conn., for many years before starting a consulting business.

School Committeewoman Anne Musella spoke with enthusiasm about the decision to hire a consultant for the search, noting it would offer “administrative ease, impartiality, and the ability to reach out to the community and stakeholders.”

Erardi’s bid was $9,000, the lowest of the bids received.

Chairwoman Carolyn Mark said she did not anticipate a new superintendent being able to start until July. The School Committee is interviewing candidates to serve as interim superintendent next Friday. 

* An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated Lori McEwen’s current job. We regret the error.

Reporter Sophia Aigner is a senior at East Greenwich High School.

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