Asst. School Supt. Keroack resigns
Published on May 30th, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - As school winds down for the summer, the usual exuberance of both students and staff is likely to be dampened a bit as Stoneham bids farewell not only to another school year, but also to a woman who, for the past several years, has been an anchor through change and has answered the call of duty wherever and whenever needed.
The fact that Assistant Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Keroack has done all that and more with intelligence, expertise and grace, is testament to the qualities the system saw in her when they hired her six years ago and is just one of many reasons that she will be sorely missed when she leaves the Stoneham Public Schools on July 15.
Keroack announced her resignation at Thursday's School Committee meeting, citing a need to "get back to my roots."
Keroack will be moving on to the Malden Public Schools where she will serve as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Instruction and Assessment, a position that will allow her to focus more on that school system's curriculum, an area in which she has great interest and expertise.
Six years ago, when Keroack came to Stoneham, the state had just begun pushing its Education Reform, requiring public school systems to conform with extensive, new mandates with little direction or funding.
Stoneham, like other communities, had to rely on the wisdom, creativity and experience of its school administrators to muddle through pages of changes, from those wide ranging ones affecting the system as a whole, right down to those introduced in the classroom.
And though it has not been easy, Stoneham has been successful, with its schools ranked among the highest in the region. Keroack has had much to do with that.
But she is quick to deflect praise from herself and credits the system as a whole with its success.
Among the system's accomplishments over the past six years of which Keroack is most proud includes the system's ability to adjust to the demands of Ed Reform in curriculum and instruction as well as in professional development.
In addition, a mentoring program was put in place for new teachers entering the system, while a series of opportunities for professional development inside and outside the system was put in place to rejuvenate veteran staff. Keroack also cites the adoption of many new textbook and resources that align with current state frameworks in a fiscally responsible manner and one that allows teachers the time and energy to align their instruction at the same time.
These, she says, are not her accomplishments. Rather, they are "accomplishments the district has achieved while I've been fortunate to work for it."
For now, Keroack is focusing on leaving Stoneham with projects either well underway or nearing completion so that someone new will be able to transition in smoothly.
With regard to filling her position in Stoneham, Keroack stated that the timing is right for the system to reevaluate its needs and seek someone new for the next round of challenges.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to look for someone as we enter this second phase of Ed Reform. Things are beginning to stabilize in some areas....I wish them great success with that."
Though many will miss Keroack, some, including School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly will feel her absence strongly.
"I've had the pleasure of working with Liz for the past three years. She's certainly been an asset to me as a new superintendent and to the system."
He went on to describe Keroack's versatility in being able to wear well the many hats given to her during her tenure in Stoneham.
"She will be greatly missed...I wish her well."
"This community owes you a great thanks for six plus years," said School Committee member Jeanne Craigie on Thursday. "We have asked you to do more every year. It's been a challenge for you; it will be an equal challenge for us to replace you."
A search committee for a new assistant superintendent has been put in place and advertisements are scheduled for the Boston Globe in June. Connelly cautioned however, that while the time-frame is tight, he does not want that to force a decision on a candidate.
While it would be desirable to have someone in place as early as possible, if the pool of candidates is not as strong as the system would like, there are other options to explore, such as readvertising in the fall, taking on an interim assistant superintendent from an outside agency, or appointing an acting assistant superintendent from within.
Keroack has no doubts regarding Stoneham's continued success.
"My experience in Stoneham has been wonderful. It's an extraordinary community," she said. In addition, Keroack stated that Stoneham's support of its schools is not always found in other communities and is in part what makes this town very special.
"That's why people want to come and stay a while."
She added, "Organizations continue to move along. People make their impressions but ... organizations that are healthy, and this one is, will ... continue to work their magic."
Keroack has certainly left her impression, as she leaves to continue working her magic for the benefit of school children elsewhere.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!