Lynnfield school Super resigns

LYNNFIELD – After almost 13 years, Lynnfield’s Superintendent Richard J. Palermo abruptly resigned from his post last Thursday and will not finish out the remainder of the school year.”I don’t know if it’s a complete surprise to everyone,” said Lynnfield High School Principal Robert Hassett, who will now act as the Superintendent until School Committee members develop an official plan.Palermo said he originally planned on continuing his nearly unprecedented stint for a few more years, but after celebrating his birthday, something about retiring now just seemed right.”I knew there would be no problem,” said Palermo from his newly finished townhouse in Florida. He said the budget’s all set to be voted on and all major hiring is done. “The timing was right.”Although the job was more than stressful at times and demanded much from him, Palermo said he’s “very proud” of what he’s done.”I’ve had a tremendous legacy here in Lynnfield,” he said. “I should go out on top.” During his career, Palermo built four brand new schools, maintained some of the top test scores in all of Massachusetts, and never laid off a single teacher. And, he more or less, did it on his own.”I never had an assistant superintendent or a director of curriculum,” he said, noting that every other community in the North Shore does. “It was always me.”Hassett will take on the great responsibilities of both jobs until at least June 30, although he hopes this opportunity will last a bit longer than just a few short months.”I would certainly like to continue as the permanent replacement,” he said. And, with six years as principal and five years prior as assistant principal, Hassett’s up to the task.”I’m a little bit overwhelmed, but it’s a great opportunity and a great challenge,” he said.If the School Committee does indeed elect Hassett to fill Palermo’s very large shoes, Hassett would like to promote Assistant Principal Robert Cleary to Principal.”Lynnfield’s a great community, very supportive of education,” Palermo said, in giving advice to his predecessor. “Be prepared for real high pressure and high expectations of the Superintendency.”Palermo said he’s looking forward to doing something different with his time, though it’s too early to tell what that will be, exactly. For now, he just plans on relaxing and enjoying life.Like anything else, he said, he’ll miss the kids and the people he’s worked closely with over the years.”I won’t miss night meetings and the difficulties with bargaining contracts,” he quipped. “I’ll miss the people (I’ve) seen grow in (their) careers.”