Superintendent Bueschel announces resignation
Published on January 21st, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - In a move which occurred earlier than many expected, Stoneham School Supt. Dr. Ellen Bueschel announced in front of a saddened School Committee Thursday night that she would be resigning at the end of the school year.
Bueschel, who has been superintendent since 1995, also sought and was granted an unpaid leave of absence beginning on March 2 until June 30.
School Committee members, many of whom had tears in their eyes, accepted Bueschel's resignation with regret and praised her work during her nearly 11 years in the Stoneham School System.
Since Bueschel's husband, Bruce, had recently accepted a senior pastor position at the Second Congregational Church in Rockford, Illinois, most people assumed the popular superintendent would at least work through the remainder of the school year. But when death and serious illnesses recently struck family members in the midwest, Bueschel decided to move up her plans.
Finding it difficult to speak, Bueschel read a brief resignation announcement at Thursday's meeting.
"This is the most difficult letter I have ever written," said Bueschel. "It is my intention to join my husband, Bruce, in Rockford, Illinois as soon as possible, but no later than March 1. Health complications in our family have necessitated an acceleration of my plans to relocate.
"It goes without saying that my years in Stoneham have been personally and professionally rewarding and I will hold a very special place in my heart for the many fine people who have made my tenure here such a wonderful experience.
"I am grateful to the School Committee and the town of Stoneham for giving me the opportunity to serve the community...It's been an honor and a privilege to serve this community."
Bueschel arrived in Stoneham as the assistant superintendent after serving as the superintendent of the Union County School Corporation in Liberty, Indiana. She had also served as superintendent/ principal at the College Corner, Ohio school system in the early 1980's.
She served as assistant superintendent in Stoneham for eight years, succeeding Supt. Dr. William Hoyt in 1995. Her three-year contract was set to expire this June.
During her tenure, the Stoneham School System was named as one of Money Magazine's "100 Best Value School Districts" in the country. She pushed hard for improved technology in the Stoneham system and developed a highly respected professional development program for Stoneham's teachers.
During the past 12 months, Bueschel has worked endlessly with other school supporters to push for funding to renovate the four Stoneham elementary schools. With that process now behind her, Bueschel's final duty before leaving will be to find a temporary home for South School students during the school's demolition, beginning this fall.
With several School Committee members visibly upset by the announcement, School Committee Chairman Stephen Gucciardi decided to speak for the committee when he said, "The Stoneham School system was well served by your professionalism."
"You have done an outstanding job building the reputation of the schools, which has been well documented," said Gucciardi, who presented the superintendent with a bouquet of flowers. "The strong reputation of the Stoneham schools is becoming increasingly known. Homes are selling and more people are moving here. You have done a truly outstanding job in providing leadership. You have hired a superb administrative team and your legacy will continue."
School Committee member Steven Migliorini thanked Bueschel for giving him the initiative several years ago to get involved with the schools when she asked Migliorini, a local dentist, to participate in a health grant program.
"She opened the door for me to get involved and it has been an enriching experience," said Migliorini. "I owe a great deal to Dr. Bueschel."
Overcome with emotion, School Committee members Jeanne Craigie, Marie Christie and Paul Melkonian passed on making verbal statements.
But in written statement, Craigie said Bueschel's knowledge of education is often referred to as one of the "best of those who teach in the field of education."
"Though I will be saddened by her leaving our community, I will be left with the thought that where we are today as a system did not happen by chance, but because we were allowed to share her gifts for 10 years," said Craigie, also praising Bueschel's desire to get the entire community involved in the education process. "These gifts will be part of the history of good schools--schools which got better and better under her tenure."
Gucciardi realized Bueschel's decision "was not an easy one," but thanked her for notifying the board now so they would have time to find a full-time replacement before the fall.
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