School figures bestow praise upon unsung hero
Published on July 8th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - The supporting cast in this story have always known who the man behind the curtain is and they have appreciated his efforts and have respected his input from the outset. The paying customers (i.e. the public), however, never really got to know the lead and has likely overlooked a strong performance.
This the story of Robert Barbarisi, who, despite being on the job for just four months and despite the fact that he will vacate the superintendent seat in less than one month, will be remembered by his Stoneham peers for his leadership skills and his ability to keep the educational system moving in the right direction through some tough times.
"It's been a professional pleasure to work with Mr. Barbarisi," Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Keroack explained. "We all learned from him.
"There are all kinds of leaders, but he really has all of the tools that you need. It's really interesting to see all those (tools) moving together."
Barbarisi came on board as interim superintendent when Dr. Ellen Bueschel vacated the position in late February. In the past four months, Barbarisi has encountered two obstacles that would have put gray hairs in almost any administrator's head: the North School oil spill and the lengthy budget discussions which led to large budget cuts.
Barbarisi, however, kept a level head.
"He came in at a rough time and really got a grasp of it," School Committee member Paul Melkonian said. "He really put together a lot of good options and did a lot of background work.
"I really can't say enough about the job he's done."
Keroack agreed, saying, "(An interim superintendent's) a person who has to achieve a delicate balance between what was and what will be. There were many things that arose (in his tenure) that he experienced and we experienced. (His presence) expedited those difficult problems enormously."
High School Principal Thomas Ryan said that, in addition to seeing the overall picture of Stoneham's educational system, he also was able to determine the needs of each of the schools.
"I think he's an experienced superintendent and has worked diligently at bringing the budget in line with what's been appropriated," High School Principal Thomas Ryan said. "He's certainly shown an understanding (of new state mandates) that have affected the High School and has done his best to keep that in mind when considering the options."
Keroack explained that she pushed hard for an interim superintendent, knowing full well that she may have been overwhelmed had those duties been placed on her shoulders along with those of her present position.
"I was one of the largest proponents of an interim superintendent," she explained. "and I'm glad he was here. He brought the experience from doing it in the past. He knew about how to go about the process."
In addition, a fresh face may have helped in the decision making process which was involved in prior month's budget discussions.
"He brought his objectivity to the table," Keroack said. "(The transition) could have been difficult, but he has a wonderful way of working with people."
Melkonian expressed a similar opinion.
"None of us (the School Committee) has ever dealt with an interim superintendent before this, so it was new to us," he said. "He's done a remarkable job because he was here only a short time and had his finger on the pulse of the system.
"(The budgetary process) was just as smooth as any year. There was no let down in terms of having an interim."
Barbarisi will be relieved of his duties by the newly hired superintendent of schools, Joseph Connelly. Connelly will assume his role on August 3.
Keroack said that, despite the fact that school employees and the community are looking forward to the arrival of the town's future educational leader, they should not overlook the person who leaves behind such a clean slate.
"It's been a wonderful experience working with him," she said of Barbarisi. "I've learned a lot."
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