Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Michelle Cresta has submitted her resignation to Marblehead Public Schools after accepting a similar role at Manchester Essex Regional School District. 

Cresta was announced as a finalist for the position late last year. Her resignation will be effective starting March 22. 

“I am returning to my roots in regional school finance, joining one of the Commonwealth’s top regional school districts where I will be leading finance and operations,” Cresta said in a statement Thursday. “This new role will allow me to best utilize my experience and talents, while providing me the important work-life balance that is important in this position.”

Cresta was hired by Marblehead Public Schools in 2019. Before the district hired interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness, Cresta stepped in to serve as the district’s acting superintendent after John Buckey resigned from the position in August 2023. 

During a School Committee meeting last year, Cresta emphasized that she did not want to take over the superintendent role permanently. 

In the statement, Cresta commented on the time she spent in the district.

“Every day I have been amazed and impressed by the commitment of the staff and teachers to ensure that our schools are supporting all of our students with a first-class education and environment,” Cresta said. “I feel fortunate to have been a part of Marblehead Schools and community for the past four years.”

“I truly wish Assistant Superintendent Cresta well in her new role, and sincerely appreciate her continued service to MPS and this administrative team through March,” McGuinness added.