And the search begins.

It was announced Thursday night during the Brookline School Committee meeting that Gerardo Martinez is leaving Devotion School to become the principal of the Schofield Elementary School in Wellesley.

Martinez, who has been the Devotion principal since 2006, stirred controversy last December when he sent home what some parents deemed a permission slip for reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. That prompted the School Committee to revise the district’s policy on reciting the pledge.

Deputy Superintendent Jennifer Fischer-Mueller read a prepared statement from Superintendent Bill Lupini, who was unable to attend the meeting because of a prior commitment.

“Everyone who has had the opportunity to work closely with him will miss his energy, intelligence, work ethic, and sense of humor,” she said. “Moreover, while Gerardo was clearly the correct choice to lead Devotion five years ago, it is also apparent that he has exceeded expectations as a leader, colleague, and teacher in every way.

Lupini will begin searching immediately for an interim principal who will serve for the following school year. A permanent principal will be chosen after a more comprehensive search set to start in November and that involves an interview team comprised of teachers, parents, administrators, community members, and students.  

In other School Committee news:

• The Runkle School renovation was delayed after workers found hazardous material at the site. School Committee member Helen Charlupski noted that this will not increase the overall cost as this possibility was accounted for in the budget.
• There was a recent community meeting regarding the proposed $7.5-million Health School renovation where the audience approved of the design, but expressed concerns about the parking situation during the construction phase.