The Amesbury School Committee is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen J. Zadravec, Ed.D., as the next Superintendent of Amesbury Public Schools. Dr. Zadravec’s employment is scheduled to begin on July 1, pending the successful completion of contract negotiations.

“I am thrilled to be part of the team in Amesbury. I look forward to building on the work of providing excellence in education for all of our students. Amesbury is an amazing place and I am honored to be able to work with the talented staff here and strong leadership team across the schools and the city.”, said, Dr. Zadrvec. 

Dr. Zadravec is a proven educational leader with extensive experience in district leadership, strategic planning, curriculum development, and collaborative community engagement. He currently serves as Superintendent of School Administrative Unit (SAU) 50 in Greenland, New Hampshire, where he has guided multiple districts through strategic visioning, long-term financial planning, and expanded professional development opportunities for educators.

Previously, Dr. Zadravec served as Superintendent of the Portsmouth School Department in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he led district-wide initiatives focused on equity and opportunity, implemented later school start times for secondary students, supported major school construction and renovation projects, and collaborated closely with municipal leaders to develop fiscally responsible budgets. His leadership also included participation in statewide education initiatives supporting early childhood development and the needs of military-connected students.

In addition to his district leadership, Dr. Zadravec has served as an adjunct professor in educational leadership, teaching graduate and doctoral students and helping to prepare the next generation of school administrators. His career in education began in the classroom as a middle and high school mathematics teacher before advancing through roles including curriculum coordinator, interim principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent.

“Amesbury Public Schools will benefit greatly from Dr. Zadravec’s thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to student success,” said Amesbury School Committee Chair and Mayor, Kassandra Gove. “We look forward to welcoming him to the Amesbury community and working together to continue strengthening our schools.” Mayor Gove also went on to say, “We would also like to thank current Superintendent Elizabeth McAndrews for her service to our schools and the children of Amesbury, and we wish her well as she transitions to the next phase of her life.” 

Dr. Zadravec holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership, and a Master of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision. He also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Science, graduating cum laude. He maintains multiple professional certifications, including Superintendent, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent credentials in the State of New Hampshire.

Dr. Abigail Jurist Levy, School Committee Member and Co-Chair of the Search Committee said, “Amesbury as a great place to live, work, and raise a family, along with our community pride and the promise of our school district, was on full display in attracting top talent to our Superintendent search. It was important to the School Committee to have a rigorous, inclusive, and transparent hiring process for this vital role and the city can be proud of the numerous, highly qualified, candidates that applied for the Superintendent position. Many people in our district and across Amesbury contributed to the search process and we thank them for their time and effort. Dr. Zadravec can feel confident he has the support of our community.”