22 June, 2011
Listen to the HCAM News video as Dr. John Phelan, Hopkinton's Superintendent of Schools, says good-bye and thank you to Hopkinton.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Phelan retires effective June 30, 2011. He began his tenure in Hopkinton eleven years ago, and in that time has implemented a Strategic Plan that included a district wide curriculum and assessment development program, and brought innovative technology into the district. He has worked with the community, town leaders, parents and volunteers to bring 21st century learning to the students of Hopkinton.
During that same time period, the Hopkinton Public Schools have been recognized more than once and just recently Hopkinton High School was ranked 95 out of the top 1,000 schools in the country by Newsweek magazine. For Phelan, however, it is the accomplishments of the students that make him proud.
When speaking about his time as Superintendent, Phelan credits his success to others, saying he has been incredibly fortunate to have had a talented and dedicated support staff. His job was to provide direction, to hire good people, to support them, and to give them the resources to succeed.
"That's what I've always tried to do," said Phelan in an interview in the HCAM Studio.
Reproduced below is the letter sent to Hopkinton parents, guardians and community members.
Hopkinton Public Schools
Office of the Superintendent
89 Hayden Rowe Street
Hopkinton, MA 01748
http://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community Members,
As many of you may know, on June 30th I will be retiring as Superintendent of Schools in Hopkinton. It has truly been an honor and a privilege to work for your children and you for the past eleven years. I hope that you are proud of the school district that you have helped to build.
To make progress requires a collective team effort and a belief that children are a community’s best investment. I feel most fortunate to have worked in a town that has shared this core belief. The support that we have received from parents, school partners, and the community has been phenomenal. The dedicated efforts of staff, School Committee members, and other elected and appointed town officials have also been unmatched.
In closing, let me simply say thank you. You have provided me with the professional experience of a lifetime and the opportunity to move to a town that my children and I will always call home. I will forever be proud to be a Hiller.
Sincerely,
Dr. John E. Phelan, Jr.
