Supt. Joseph Connelly gets his feet wet
Published on August 12th, 1998
STONEHAM, MA - The first few weeks on the job can be a harrowing time for new employees. Getting up to speed on business which has been dropped on one's lap, getting acquainted with coworkers, and attempting to forge forward despite the blind spots which go along with a new position can rattle even the most composed and experienced professional.
Joseph Connelly is now in his second week on the job and is attempting to make a smooth transition into the position of superintendent of schools. Connelly, a Reading resident, was chosen by the School Committee out of a large number of candidates and, last Monday, became the third person to assume the head administrative seat in the past six months.
According to Connelly, the transition has been a fairly easy one so far, due in large part to the work of Interim Superintendent Robert Barbarisi.
"I came in last Monday and I'd have to say at the outset that I'd like to compliment Bob Barbarisi," he said. "He did an absolutely terrific job."
Barbarisi was successful in guiding the School Department through one of its most difficult periods given the large cut backs which were required in the budget and the significant undertaking which became a necessity after an oil spill at the North School.
"He left us in very, very good shape," Connelly said. "He dealt with a lot of issues and he's turned (the school system) over to me in very good shape."
Much of Connelly's time up to this point has been spent getting to know his administrative team - speaking to the elementary and Middle School principals, among others. He has also met with Police Chief Eugene Passaro, DPW Director Robert Grover and officials in the Fire Department about getting a jump start on safety issues.
Due to the School Department dropping nearly all of its busing for the coming school year, (less than 12 students will be bused by the schools) Connelly said that safety will be the top priority and actions must be taken in advance to ensure pedestrian security.
A meeting with the Fire Department, Police Department and various school personnel has been scheduled for August 25 to discuss such measures, he told the Independent.
"I think it's just going to be a good start to the year getting all the people involved in safety and prepare together," he said.
Aside from safety, Connelly said the biggest task facing the Stoneham School Department is filling out the roster.
A number of new faces will greet students in September, among them are a new four-teacher team in both the Middle and High schools.
Connelly said that all but three positions have been filled and hopes to announce the completion of the hiring process to the School Committee at its Thursday night meeting.
"My immediate concern is finalizing our hiring," he said. "The principals and I will be talking about that in a meeting on Wednesday morning and I'd like to have most of those done by then."
Unlike some new employees who feel misled after obtaining their positions given the employer's description of the business, Connelly explained that he has no misconceptions about the state of Stoneham's school system and is pleased with the effort put in by its employees.
"My initial reaction has been very positive," he said. "I had anticipated what I have found.
"People care very much about their jobs he and the education they provide. They can't help me enough," Connelly continued. "I've been very impressed with everyone's commitment."
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