http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20111201/NEWS02/712019904
Published December 1, 2011 in the Rutland Herald
Springfield curriculum director to retire
By Christian Avard
Staff Writer
SPRINGFIELD — The person who oversaw the restructuring of the Springfield School District’s curriculum programs announced his retirement Nov. 22.
Springfield School District Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Dr. Vincent J. Hawkins will be stepping down Dec. 23 after five years. Dr. Hawkins was responsible for implementing the goals of the Springfield School District. One of his major tasks was implementing structural changes to school curriculums.
Springfield High School and Riverside Middle School struggled with adequate yearly progress measurements, such as New England Common Assessment Program test scores. Hawkins worked with faculty and staff over the spring and they made the necessary changes to improve their programs. According to Hawkins, the delivery of education in the Springfield School District is much better.
“I’ve been in the business a long time and I know there are a lot of factors that influence scores. Patience is the word and slow and steady wins the race. I think that’s going to be the moniker of this district,” Hawkins said. “We’ve hired strong people in the school district. We build the leadership we have now at all levels and it is something we can be proud of. I’d like to think I helped to see that through,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins has worked in education for 43 years. He started off as a secondary school math teacher in Warwick, R.I. and went on to become the Assistant Superintendent for the Coventry, R.I. School District. Hawkins retired from the Coventry, R.I. School District after the 2005-2006 school year and moved to Claremont, N.H. with his wife Arlene Hawkins, a retired school principal. Hawkins was hired as the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment in Jan. 2007.
Hawkins does not have any immediate plans once he enters retirement. However, he is looking forward to spending time with his grandchildren who range in ages from 7 months to 10 years-old.
“I’ve enjoyed my stay here. The working relationship I’ve had with (Superintendent Frank Perotti) has been wonderful. I don’t feel guilty at this time in leaving. I think a lot of great things are going on now,” Hawkins said.
As for Perotti, Hawkins presence will be sorely missed and he wished him the best.
“He has been an outstanding contributor to the restructuring of the school district. In particular, he’s done amazing work in getting out curriculums and supporting the restructuring efforts to improve NECAP scores,” Perotti said. “He’s been an amazing help and support and has provided guidance to all of us as well.”
Springfield High School Assistant Principal Zachary McLaughlin will take over as the new director of curriculum, instruction and assessment. There will be no replacement for assistant superintendent, according to school district officials.
This was a sight for sore eyes! Not entirely sure what it will take to get the message through to the superintendant that we would like him to leave as well. Of course now that the school board voted to increase administrative salaries who knows. I guess they figure that they cannot stay in budget so not only will they hit taxpayers with that bill but also pump up the budget even more by paying the idiots who cannot even bring the schools to passing even more...WAKE UP SPRINGFIELD! They are YOUR taxes. Crime and the standard of living will never get any better if you keep voting to let these people have more of your money. This district is one of the highest school budgets in the STATE and the schools are not making the grade.
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