Veteran Committee Member Sullivan Named School Committee Chair

By Kate Anslinger

Monday night was an exciting night in Winthrop, as the newly elected officials and committee members were sworn in for their upcoming term. The School Committee welcomed three new members, including Valentino “Tino” Capobianco, Laura Callis and Ron Vecchia. At the bi-weekly School Committee meeting following the swearing in ceremony, veteran member Dawn Sullivan was elected as the new chair of the committee, replacing Gary Skomro who served as chairman for the past four years. Fellow committee member Brian Perrin was selected to the vice-chair.

In the following interview, Sullivan expresses her excitement for the year ahead. With the new high school/middle school coming to a completion and the diverse group of committee members, Winthrop schools have a promising future…

What are some of the focuses of the School Committee for the upcoming year?

The focuses for the School Committee in the upcoming year are to be sure our budget reflects the goals of the district and the direction the district is committed to going. It’s important for us to provide math and science curriculum that challenge our students, access to technology not only as a means to deliver instruction but to prepare our students for their future. We want to provide meaningful professional development to the faculty, whether it’s academic in focus, or addresses the psychosocial needs of our students. And personally I’d like to see an increase in collaboration between the town and the school department, whether it’s a relationship with the Winthrop Public Library, the Conservation Commission or other local businesses that would like to provide opportunities for our students and staff. 

In another area, we’ve had challenges with teacher retention and I will work with the School Committee and superintendent to look at ways we can improve our support for our teachers and staff. 

With the opening of the new high school/middle right around the corner in September, do you foresee any major adjustments the town will have to make to deal with the changes of the new building, student life, etc.?

We are all excited to see the new Winthrop Middle/High School open this fall, and we’ll be looking to fill the administrative positions with highly qualified people, and support our staff in the physical transition to the new building. But also, we know that while the new building was necessary and important to build, what happens within the walls is the most important, and we’ll be making sure we continue to strive for a level 1 rating. We are also very committed to see renovations at the Miller Field Athletic complex, and we hope that the plan developed has community support. 

Are you excited to take on your role as chairwoman of the committee and work with a few new team members?

I’m very excited to take on this role. I believe we have a great mix of dedicated people on the committee. Laura brings knowledge of curriculum and school policy, Ron brings commitment and passion for public service. Tino brings a great energy and experience with budgets and will be our connection with the MASC (Massachusetts Association of School Committees). Bill and Brian bring valuable experience and stability to the committee. I’m looking forward to leading meaningful discussions about important and sometimes difficult issues.