SWAMPSCOTT — School Superintendent Pamela Angelakis was deemed exemplary in her overall performance in by School Committee members in Wednesday’s evaluation session.
Each of the five school committee members submitted individual evaluations of Angelakis, which were combined and summarized into one, said member Amy O’Connor. The overall score for the superintendent’s work in instructional leadership was proficient, meaning she is performing as expected by the committee, and her work with management and operations, family and community engagement, and professional culture was dubbed exemplary.
The categories for evaluation are exemplary, proficient, needs improvement, and unsatisfactory.
The committee unanimously voted that Angelakis’ impact on student learning was high.
“It was clear from all five of us that we really respect the job that you do,” O’Connor said to Angelakis, who has been in the position since 2014.
The superintendent was praised for her work in dealing with the turnover in key positions on her leadership team, as both the curriculum director and business manager departed last fall.
“Ms. Angelakis made sure that this turnover does not cause harm and disruption to our students,” said committee member Carin Marshall. “She shoulders much of the extra burden herself and in turn inspires the other members of her team to perform to a higher standard. This is the hallmark of a true leader.”
In their comments, each of the five members also commended Angelakis on her tough decision-making regarding the school administration budget and her collaborative work with Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald and the Select Board.
School Committee Chair Gargi Cooper said she was pleased with Angelakis’ work in expanding the middle school’s Harbor and Swift programs and that she continues to keep students’ mental and academic needs at the forefront of her decisions. Committee member Ted Delano said he believes the superintendent has, and will always have, the best interest of each child in the school district.
“She continues to both challenge and support her leadership team, improve student achievement and engagement, increase the profile of the district both locally and nationally, and foster a supportive community for students and staff,” said School Committee vice-chair Suzanne Wright.
While most committee members individually voted proficient or exemplary on most of the items, there were a few needs improvement boxes that were checked off.
For the superintendent’s instructional practices, meaning she ensures that principals identify a variety of effective teaching strategies and practices when they observe practice and review unit plans, four members said she was doing a proficient job. Wright voted that Angelakis’ work there needed improvement.
In regards to knowledge of use and data, or guiding administrators and supporting them in identifying a range of appropriate data sources and effectively analyzing data for decision-making purposes, Wright, again, voted that Angelakis’ work needs improvement.
Cooper voted the superintendent needs improvement on her work in using multiple data sources to evaluate administrator and district performance and providing administrators with the resources and support to break down assessment data and assist in identifying students who need additional support.
In establishing ongoing relationships with community organizations, community members or businesses and engaging them to increase their involvement to maximize community contributions for district effectiveness, Wright voted Angelakis needs improvement there.
There were three professional practice goals that Angelakis set forth at the beginning of last school year that were voted on, in terms of performance, by the committee. Her communication goal mostly exceeded expectations in the voting tally, her classroom instruction goal was voted in as significant progress, and her cultural competency goal was mostly voted as exceeded.
“I am very proud of how far this district has come from my first day in this seat to now,” said Angelakis. “I wouldn’t be able to meet these goals without my team. And just because these performances are met with exemplary votes, does not mean there isn’t room for even more improvement.”
The committee and superintendent will meet again on Sept. 11 to discuss the new goals for the upcoming school year.
