Somerville City Hall, where the School Committee meets. (Photo: Eric Kilby via Flickr)

A search for a new Somerville Public Schools superintendent is being reopened before the February break in hopes of filling the job by April, the School Committee decided Wednesday in a unanimous vote.

The decision came after Marisa Mendonsa, the favored candidate for superintendent, withdrew her candidacy on Monday for personal reasons, leaving the committee with two remaining finalists whom members did not nominate for the position.

In the proposed timeline, applications for superintendent would be due by March 9. A full timeline has not been made public.

“Technically and legally” this would be a new search, meaning that applicants will remain anonymous until they pass the screening committee, said vice chair Ilana Krepchin on Friday, clarifying a point from the Wednesday meeting.

Consultant Glen Koocher plans to reach out to previous applicants who did not pass the screening committee and invite them to reapply. 

This post was updated Feb. 17, 2023, with information from Ilana Krepchin. It was updated March 23, 2023, to correct the spelling of Marisa Mendonsa.