Schools

Westfield Schools in Capable and Caring Hands, Student Says of Superintendent

Colleagues, teachers, parents and students honored Dr. Margaret Dolan as the Union County Superintendent of the Year on Tuesday evening.

Colleagues, parents, friends and students continuously thanked Dr. Margaret Dolan on Tuesday evening for her commitment to the students of Westfield as she was presented with the Superintendent of the Year award

Judith Rattner, President of the Union County Superintendents’ Roundtable and Richard Bozza, Executive Director of the New Jersey Association of School Administrators, officially presented Dolan with the award. Baza explained that there is no greater honor than when professional colleagues recognize you for what you do.

He referenced the following quote by Warren Bennis: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Saying Dr. Dolan does just that.

Dr. Dolan was very humble about her receipt of the award and gave all credit to teachers, students and parents.

“In my view this recognition is really for the Westfield Public Schools,” she expressed. “Because year after year we have a record of success.”

Check back with Patch for a video of Dr. Dolan’s remarks.

Although Board President Rich Mattessich said speakers could have lined up out the door to say a few words about Dr. Dolan, they chose a few people to speak on behalf of the teachers, staff, parents and students.

Audrey Zavitz, President of the Westfield Association of Administrators and Supervisors presented Dr. Dolan with a poem titled, “The ABC’s of Peggy.”

President of the Westfield Education Association Kim Shumacher took the podium and explained how she visited each school level to ask what they thought Dr. Dolan should receive. A first grade girl said she should have a tiara, since she was the boss, while the middle school students suggested an iTunes gift card and the high school students suggested a sports car.

Schumacher presented Dolan with a shiny tiara, an iTunes gift card and the keys to one of the Board of Education’s old snow plows. Jokes aside, she thanked Dolan for making it a joy to come to work each day for the teachers and other staff members.

On behalf of the student body, senior Alexa Derman also offered several kind words about Dr. Dolan.

She explained how Dr. Dolan has made it possible for students to enjoy music, fall plays, STEM day, libraries and given her the confidence to not be afraid to speak in front of a lecture hall when she attends college next year.

“I know there is fantastic things in store for years to come,” she said. Adding that the school district is in very capable and caring hands.

Mattessich and Formed President and Board Member Ginny Leiz also thanked Dolan, but not before her husband, Rich Lamb, took the podium.

Lamb explained that Dolan speaks highly of the students and board constantly at home. The line often said in education, "It's all about the kids," well, she lives it, he said.

Several past board members also spoke to congratulate Dr. Dolan for the honor. She was also presented with a resolution by the board recognizing her as the 2013 Union County Superintendent of the Year.

More on Dolan’s receipt of the award can be read, here.

Visit Westfield Patch for more coverage of Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, including the recognition of freshman Alex Jackman for her work helping students understand peers with autism and the violence, harassment, intimidation and bullying report.


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