Thursday, October 1, 2026
The 2026-27 school year began at North Shore School District on Sept. 2, and Tom Dolan has returned as interim superintendent after the departure of Superintendent Chris Zublionis. He will serve in the role throughout the school year as the Board of Education, the search firm School Leadership and community members in the search for a new superintendent.
Dolan highlighted students, staff and parents as well as upcoming projects. He also thanked bus drivers, custodians and clerical staff, calling them “unsung heroes.”
Q: How was the first day of school?
A: Well, there’s two first days. We welcomed the staff back on Aug. 31, and that’s always very special. It’s good to see them all back…I wore all my Ted Lasso clothes, and I addressed the faulty on opening day as Ted Lasso, and we had a ball doing it, and (Board of Education President) Andrea (Macari) spoke also. The intriguing thing is we both had the same message. It was one of welcome and support and encouragement and outreach…On Sept. 2, we welcomed the students back. (Assistant Superintendent for Instruction CarolAnn) Smyth, (Assistant Superintendent for Business James Pappas) and I got into every building, and that’s where the amazing thing happens. Within 10 or 15 minutes of arrival, students and teachers have just fallen back into the patterns of school. It’s incredible. Within 15 minutes, students are learning, teachers are engaged, and it’s really so affirming how quickly school starts.
Q: How does it feel to be back with North Shore for the year?
A: I continue to be thankfull and honored, and I’m enjoying the word very much, and it feels great. It did take kids coming back to remind me of the excitement that our kids bring.
Q: What is something that you are looking forward to this school year?
A: There’s a lot of work being done on facilities. Our Director of Facilities, Mr. Matt Backes, is incredibly diligent and optimistic and a moving force to get things done, so I know there’s going to be a lot of work done, not just on the football field, but also by the end of the year after a lot of work, and it’s going to be a lot of work, our baseball fields and the other fields over at the high school. I’m anxious to see that come to fruition. I’m anxious to assist the board and the community on the superintendent search.
Q:What are the top three things that you want to see happen across the district?
A: Continued academic success in combination with students who are happy to be here, that’s one. Two, a staff that is engaged and knows that they have the full support of the central administration and the board and a parent population that is confident in sending their children to school each and every day…This year, we need parents for helping to guide the future in terms of the superintendent search, but also in terms of actively being a part of the school community and attending events, attending meetings, being present. I think it is typical of the parents here that they are present, but this year is going to be particularly important for parents to be present and engaged, and I look forward to working with every one of them.
