Consulting
Expert Consulting. Built for Regional Schools.
The MARS Consulting Group (MCG) brings together experienced regional school superintendents, business managers, and educational leaders who understand the unique opportunities and challenges facing Massachusetts regional school districts. For more than fourteen years, we have partnered with districts and communities to provide practical, customized solutions grounded in decades of real-world leadership experience.
Whether you’re navigating financial challenges, updating a regional agreement, planning for the future, exploring regionalization, or leading organizational change, our consultants provide knowledgeable, collaborative, practical, and tailored guidance to your district’s needs.
What We Offer
Operating under the oversight of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) Board of Directors, the MARS Consulting Group provides contractual consulting services to regional school districts and communities across the Commonwealth. Because our consultants have served as superintendents, assistant superintendents, business managers, principals, and educational leaders in regional school systems, we begin each project with a deep understanding of the work—allowing us to focus immediately on solutions rather than learning your environment.
Every engagement begins with conversations with district leadership to understand your goals, challenges, and timeline. We work collaboratively to develop a scope of services that reflects your district’s priorities and, when appropriate, partner with other organizations that provide specialized expertise in areas such as enrollment projections or financial modeling.
Why Districts Choose MARS
For more than a decade, the MARS Consulting Group has completed consulting engagements with regional school districts across Massachusetts, including strategic planning, amendments to regional agreements, regionalization studies, sustainability analyses, financial reviews, governance support, and MSBA planning. Our consultants have successfully partnered with dozens of districts throughout the Commonwealth, bringing practical experience, collaborative problem-solving, and an understanding of the unique complexities of regional education.
As a benefit of MARS membership, district leaders are welcome to contact the Consulting Group for an initial complimentary consultation. These conversations often help clarify district needs, identify potential solutions, and determine an appropriate scope of services before a formal proposal is developed.
When districts choose MARS, they gain trusted partners who have led regional schools themselves and are committed to helping today’s leaders build strong, sustainable futures for their students and communities.
Strategic Planning
Our comprehensive strategic planning process engages district leaders, school committees, educators, students, families, and community members to develop a shared vision and actionable roadmap for the future. We guide districts from data collection and stakeholder engagement through implementation planning and communication.
Financial Management & Reporting
We provide expert support in school finance, budget development, long-range financial planning, E&D certification, debt management, financial reporting, and DESE compliance. We also help districts evaluate long-term financial sustainability and identify strategies that support future success.
Regionalization & Regional Agreements
MARS has extensive experience supporting communities exploring regionalization, district expansion, and governance restructuring. Our services include feasibility studies, sustainability analyses, regional agreement development and amendment, community engagement, and guidance through the DESE approval process.
Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness
Our consultants support superintendents, leadership teams, and school committees through executive coaching, leadership transitions, organizational assessments, governance support, and strategic change initiatives. We help districts build the leadership capacity needed to navigate complex challenges and create sustainable systems for continuous improvement.
School Committee & Governance Support
Support for School Committees navigating governance challenges, policy development, and their role in regional district oversight.
Facilities & MSBA Support
Our team assists districts with facility utilization studies, school building planning, organizational planning related to MSBA projects, and strategic decision-making regarding educational facilities.
Customized Consulting Services
Every district is unique. We work closely with district leaders to develop customized consulting services that address specific organizational, financial, governance, or educational challenges.
A Simple, Transparent Process
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Contact Us
Reach out using the form below or contact Dr. Maureen Marshall directly. Tell us about your district and what you're looking for.
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Needs Assessment
We'll have an initial conversation to understand your district's situation, goals, and timeline — at no cost or obligation.
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Proposal
We'll develop a clear proposal outlining the scope of services, timeline, and fees for your review and approval.
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Engagement
Our consulting team gets to work — coordinating closely with your Superintendent and leadership team throughout the engagement.
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Evaluation
At the close of each engagement, we request feedback from the client district to ensure our services are meeting the highest standards.
Meet the Consulting Team
Our consulting team is made up of experienced Massachusetts regional school administrators and education professionals — people who have done this work themselves and bring that hands-on knowledge directly to your district.
Jay Barry, Ed.D.
Jay Barry has been a member of the MARS Consulting Group for more than a decade and currently serves as Lead Consultant. In this role, he responds to school district requests for consultation, coordinates project proposals, and oversees consulting engagements throughout Massachusetts.
Before joining MARS, Jay built a distinguished career in public education, serving as a special education teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent. As a superintendent, he successfully led both single-district and regional school systems, guiding complex organizational transitions, overseeing regional expansion efforts, and managing significant school facilities improvement projects in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA).
Jay brings extensive expertise in regional school governance, regional agreement reviews, sustainability studies, regionalization planning, school facility utilization, strategic planning, and organizational effectiveness. His thoughtful leadership and practical approach have helped numerous school districts address financial, operational, and governance challenges while maintaining a focus on educational excellence.
As Lead Consultant, Jay works closely with school committees, superintendents, and district leadership teams to develop practical, customized solutions that support the long-term success and sustainability of regional school districts.
Jay earned a bachelor’s degree from the College of the Holy Cross, a master’s degree from Harvard University, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
George Frost, M.Ed.
George Frost has enjoyed a distinguished career in public education spanning classroom teaching, district leadership, and educational consulting. He began his career as a high school teacher and coach before advancing into leadership roles as assistant principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and interim superintendent.
Throughout his career, George has developed broad expertise in curriculum and instruction, personnel administration, district operations, strategic planning, and organizational leadership. He has successfully guided school districts through periods of transition, including district regionalization efforts, major school construction projects, leadership transitions, and organizational change.
In addition to his district leadership experience, George has served in leadership roles within the education community, including work with educators’ associations and as a field representative supporting school districts and educational professionals. He has also consulted with higher education and public sector organizations, conducting superintendent searches, third-party civil rights investigations, and organizational reviews.
As a member of the MARS Consulting Group since 2013, George has partnered with school districts throughout Massachusetts on sustainability studies, regionalization planning, strategic organizational reviews, and other initiatives designed to improve educational opportunities and operational effectiveness. His collaborative leadership style, practical problem-solving skills, and deep understanding of school district operations make him a trusted advisor to school committees and district leadership teams.
George earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Framingham State University.
Paul Gagliarducci, Ed.D.
Paul Gagliarducci has dedicated his career to educational leadership, beginning as an elementary school teacher before advancing through the roles of assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent. Throughout his career, he has served school districts in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, gaining extensive experience in suburban and regional school systems.
Paul has successfully led numerous district initiatives, including school building projects, district reorganization efforts, and strategic planning initiatives. He has extensive experience in educational leadership, organizational change, and facility planning, with particular expertise in guiding districts through complex transitions.
As one of the founding members of the MARS Consulting Group, Paul has worked with school districts and educational organizations on a wide range of consulting projects, including regional agreement reviews, school consolidation studies, grade-level configuration analyses, school building assessments, executive leadership searches, and policy reviews. He also has significant experience leading school mergers and organizational restructuring, helping communities navigate change while maintaining a strong focus on educational quality and student success.
Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State University, graduate degrees from Springfield College, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. His thoughtful leadership, collaborative approach, and extensive administrative experience make him a valued consultant and trusted resource for school districts throughout New England.
Steve Hemman, Ed.D
Steve Hemman brings more than 40 years of leadership experience in public education, school finance, and district administration. During his career, he served as a teacher, School Business Manager, Assistant Superintendent, and Superintendent, developing extensive expertise in educational leadership, school finance, strategic planning, and district operations. He also served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching graduate courses in educational leadership and school administration.
Following his retirement from public education, Steve served as Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS) and founded the MARS Consulting Group. Through his consulting work, he has partnered with school districts across Massachusetts on financial and operational analyses, sustainability studies, regional agreement reviews, regionalization planning, organizational efficiency studies, and MSBA project support. He also provides professional development and training for superintendents, school committees, and school business officials on school finance and regional governance.
Steve holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida Southern College, a master’s degree in Education from Boston University and Business Administration from the University of Vermont, and a Doctor of Education degree from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
Julie Kelley
Melissa King, M.P.P.
Melissa King is a longtime school finance professional with deep expertise in the Chapter 70 state school aid program and DESE district and school spending data. For the past eight years, she has consulted on a range of school finance matters, including Chapter 70 projections, simulations, and analysis.
Prior to her consulting work, Melissa spent six years in the School Finance Office at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she focused on Chapter 70, end-of-year financial reporting, and the use of financial data to support districts. She also played a significant staff role in the most recent Foundation Budget Review Commission.
Melissa holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.
Sheila Muir, Ed.D.
Sheila Muir serves as the Assistant Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS), where she supports regional school districts through advocacy, professional learning, member services, superintendent mentoring, and consulting. As a member of the MARS Consulting Group, she partners with school committees and district leaders to strengthen educational systems and improve outcomes for all learners.
Sheila’s career in public education spans more than three decades and includes service as a rural regional superintendent, assistant superintendent for Teaching, Learning and Assessment, principal, curriculum leader, and teacher of mathematics and science. She also served as an adjunct professor at Fitchburg State University, preparing future educational leaders.
Sheila consults with school districts on strategic planning, instructional leadership, organizational effectiveness, regional governance, and leadership development. Her expertise includes assessing district systems and organizational capacity, facilitating continuous improvement, and guiding leaders through complex organizational change. She is passionate about helping school committees, district leaders, and educators build the vision, structures, and leadership capacity needed to create sustainable, high-performing educational systems that improve access, opportunity, and success for every student.
Sheila holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education from Worcester State University, a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Endicott College, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University.
What Districts Are Saying
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what regional school leaders across Massachusetts have to say about working with the MARS Consulting team.
Let's Talk About Your District
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The MARS Consultants we partnered with were invaluable to our work. Steve Hemmen, Jay Barry, Mac Reid and Paul Gagliarducci helped shepherd the Six-Town Regionalization Planning Board (STRPB) from its inception and did an excellent job of executing the deliverables throughout the planning process. The regionalization feasibility process took longer than expected due to the pandemic… It was a pleasure to work with all the MARS consultants.