School Committee Honors Suzanne Swope as she Heads to Town Council

By Adam Swift

School Committee member Suzanne Swope is moving onto the Town Council next year, but last week, she was honored for her six years of service to the schools.

The committee presented Swope with a citation for her service during her last meeting.

“I’m very proud of you for making that move,” said School Committee Chair Jennifer Powell. “It has been my pleasure to serve with you in that time.”

The citation noted Swope’s dedication to the schools and their students and the strong, positive impact she has had on scores of students through her display of genuine concern for young people.

“We came aboard at just about the same time,” said Superintendent of Schools Lisa Howard. “As people on this board now know me, I can be a little bit wary of people and it takes me a little bit of time to know people and to trust people.”

Howard said that while she and Swope have sometimes had differences of opinion, they were able to accomplish much together and treated each other with respect and admiration.

“I’ve learned a lot from Suzanne, and I appreciate that,” said Howard. “She will be missed by me on the committee, but I thank you very much for your dedication to our students and your willingness to speak, and your willingness to have a back and forth and to do that respectfully.”

Swope thanked the School Committee and said she has learned a lot in her six years on the board.

“Every one of you has such individual strengths, but no one on this committee does this work but for the good of the kids,” said Swope.

Swope praised each of the individual committee and administration members who were present, and noted that she would be seeing Town Council President Jim Letterie next year.

“You have always been a dedicated person to the committee and to the town for so many years,” Swope told Letterie.

Swope’s final words of praise were for Howard.

“You’re my hero,” said Swope. “You have done great work and you are really dedicated to the kids and I appreciate it.”