Hello, to the Community

By Lisa A. Howard Superintendent of Schools

Dear Colleagues, Parents/Guardians, Students and Community Members,

This July, I officially assumed the position of superintendent of the Winthrop Public Schools.  As many of you may know, I was a member of the Winthrop Public Schools staff from September of 1989 through August of 2013.  As a Winthrop Public School’s employee, I served as a Special Education Teacher, a special education chairperson, pupil personnel director and most recently as the assistant superintendent of schools.  Over the past four years, I had the opportunity to serve the Saugus Public School’s as executive director of pupil personnel.  I feel very fortunate to return to the Town of Winthrop and would like to thank the School Committee, community members, parents and students for the warm welcome, encouragement and support.  I am truly overwhelmed with the level of support that I have received.

During my first 60 days, I have had the opportunity to visit each school building, hold multiple staff meetings, and conduct interviews with community members, staff members, School Committee members, parents, students, custodial staff, secretaries, coaches, guidance staff, administrator, and the town manager.  I have also had the opportunity to review multiple documents as well as the current and past school budgets.  This process of entry has been incredibly informative and inspiring as multiple stakeholders have provided me with valuable information including positive feedback about what we are doing well and constructive feedback regarding areas of potential growth.  This process of listening and learning will enable me to learn about the successes, challenges, goals, and culture of our school and community.  I look forward to incorporating this information into my final entry plan, which will be shared with the School Committee and will guide my efforts over the next several months.

My leadership style is grounded in a theory of building positive and professional relationships with district leadership and staff members while keeping students in the forefront of all decision making.  During my 2017-2018 weekly school visits, I will be diligent in communicating that we keep the safety, academic and social emotional well-being of all students as the number one priority in pre-K through high school.

I am looking forward to working collaboratively with each of you as we provide a high-quality education for all students in the Winthrop Public Schools.

“The Winthrop Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or homelessness for employment, participation in, admission/access to, or operation and administration of any educational program or activity in the school district”