Schools

Phelan Set To Meet Belmont As He Prepares to Take Schools Helm

Pending superintendent's "to do" list includes meeting the community and hearing the views of staff, students and residents.

John Phelan was performing a task most homeowners do coming home to eight-inches of new snow on the ground when the phone call from Mary Peterson, the human resources director of the Belmont School District, came informing the Milton resident that the Belmont School Committee had just selected him to be the next Belmont Schools superintendent on Tuesday night, Dec, 17.

"I was shoveling my driveway with my 11-year-old son at the time of the call," Phelan told Belmont Patch, after the long-time educator received the enthusiastic backing from School Committee members.

"My initial reaction was one of excitement and gratitude," said Phelan, who is the Milton School's assistant superintendent for curriculum and personnel. 

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"I feel fortunate to be considered for the position," he told Belmont Patch.

Phelan selection was a foregone conclusion after the other finalist, Dr. Anne McKenzie, dropped out the day before the vote after she accepted the superintendent's post in Hadley, Massachusetts, on Monday, Dec. 16. 

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Despite the inevitability of the pending vote, the overriding opinion from the six School Committee members was that Belmont schools would have an effective and experienced educator to lead the district in Phelan.  

"I really liked his energy and I think he'll roll up his sleeves and get to work on the first day," said Committee member Laurie Slap, who said Phelan – with central office experience and having been part of contract negotiations and school building construction – was "the best match" for what the district needs at this time.

"We need a strong person to come in and administer the system effectively from day one," said Kevin Cunningham, expressing his support for Phelan. 

For Phelan, the next few weeks is all about introducing himself the schools and community. The father of five – his three oldest are all matriculating at four-year colleges – is know in his hometown as a constant presence both in the schools and around the town. 

"I have spoke with current Superintendent Tom Kingston this morning; he called to congratulate me and we will be meeting after the holiday break. Additionally I spoke with School Committee Chairperson Laurie Graham who also called this morning and I will be coming out to meet her and some of the School Committee members during the holiday break," said Phelan. 

In his first visits to Belmont as the pending superintendent – he still needs to settle on a contract with the School Committee – Phelan has a very concise "to do" list: participating in the initial meetings to begin the work of a smooth transition for the Belmont Public Schools. 

"I appreciate the offer to meet by Kingston and look forward to meeting with him to hear how he views the district and how the work is organized to meet the needs of the administration, teachers, students and community," he said.

"Additionally I look forward to hearing from the School Committee to discuss their vision and goals of the Belmont Schools so I can begin to integrate myself into the Belmont Schools community.," Phelan said.


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