WESTFIELD – During his report towards the end of Monday’s School Committee meeting, Mayor Brian P. Sullivan said that on a very busy Thursday evening last week, he briefly attended a retirement party for Westfield Public School Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion at Stanley Park.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan and retiring WPS Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Scallion following a presentation thanking her at the School Committee on Monday. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Since he had several other meetings that evening, Sullivan said he didn’t get a chance to read an official proclamation there, and proceeded to read it to the School Committee and Scallion.
The proclamation stated that the City of Westfield extended its appreciation for Scallion’s 39 years in education, the last five in Westfield, and extended best wishes for her continued success.
Sullivan then thanked her from “our kids, and staff, and community,” adding that someone behind her has big shoes to fill. He then gave the floor to other School Committee members.
“I had the pleasure of attending,” said William Duval, referring to the goodbye party. He said there were speakers from every place that Scallion had worked, who all captured the person that he had come to know.
“You were one of the top three reasons I wanted to be on the School Committee,” said Diane Mayhew. “In a short time, you were able to assess the city and see what needed to be done here.”
“Thank you for all you’ve done. The Westfield Public Schools are in a better position. There are programs in place that will last,” said Cynthia Sullivan, adding, “It wasn’t always easy, but I think you’ve done some great work.”
“Thank you for all the hard work. It was a system of schools, and now it’s a school system,” said Vice Chair Ramon Diaz, Jr., referring to the words in the recent school audit that praised the advances made under Scallion’s administration.
Kevin Sullivan said it was easy to get bogged down in the budgets, but there were so many other things. “Just seeing those kids from Highland from all over the world saying thank you and peace,” he said, referring to a presentation made at the last School Committee meeting. “Thank you very much for coming back here,” he added.
“Thank you for all your service to Westfield Public Schools,” said Jeffrey Gosselin. He said while sometimes they might have disagreed, “We’ve always had respectful dialogue.”
“It has been an incredible honor to be the Superintendent of Schools,” Scallion said “I can’t tell you how complex it is. I just want you to support Stefan in every way. We live in a world with constant anonymous shots across the bow. But you (the School Committee) have had my back.”
Cynthia Sullivan then presented Scallion with a bouquet of roses. Scallion’s last day is June 30.
