Sateriale Named to Replace Cheatham as Superintendent

Joseph G. Sateriale was appointed acting superintendent of the Cambridge public schools by the Cambridge School Committee last night.

His appointment follows the March 5 resignation for medical reasons of the controversial Alflorence Cheatham. Sateriale, who was then assistant superintendent of secondary education, was suggested as a replacement for Cheatham at the School Committee meeting that night.

Sateriale's appointment will become effective on March 14.

Mayor Walter J. Sullivan said last night that Sateriale was chosen because he was "qualified for the job." Sateriale has been in the Cambridge school system for 23 years.

Sateriale's appointment will last until July 1, by which time the committee hopes to have found a full replacement for Cheatham. The committee voted four to three to conduct a nation-wide search rather than making Sateriale's appointment permanent, Sullivan said.

"I have my doubts," Sullivan added. "Four months is too short a time to find a really suitable candidate."

Joseph E. Maynard, a member of the committee, said he was "delighted to see Sateriale appointed. He'll do a fine job. He's been a resident of Cambridge all his life--he's a graduate of B.U. and Harvard School of Education."

The committee granted Sateriale tenure as assistant superintendent, so that he will be able to return to his old position when a new superintendent is appointed.

Sateriale was unavailable for comment last night.