SWAMPSCOTT — Although School Superintendent Pamela Angelakis has led the town’s school district since 2014, she still feels that gender bias is a factor in some of her decisions.
Angelakis, a 30-year veteran of the Swampscott Public Schools, said her gender didn’t present any special challenges during her previous stints as a teacher, principal and assistant superintendent, as those are typical female roles, but things started to change when she became head of the school district.
“I think in my early years as superintendent it was slightly more challenging since, from my perspective, I was now in a position dominated by males,” said Angelakis. “I think that has changed. Even so, I do feel there are times the tough decisions that are required in this position are questioned and criticized more often than they would be if those same decisions were made by a male.”
During her tenure as superintendent, Angelakis has had to grapple with trying to provide stability for students in the midst of frequent turnover in the Swampscott High School principal position. She’s also had to work to balance school budgets with limited town funding, which has forced some difficult cuts.
However, Angelakis said the challenges of being a female superintendent are multi-pronged.
As a single mother with a “24-hour a day” job, she said she often has to choose between tending to family matters and her daughter’s needs and those of the school district she oversees, which often includes expectations to attend students’ sport events and evening concerts.
“I am a single mother trying to balance the numerous responsibilities that come with that title, along with the obligations and responsibilities that come with the role of superintendent,” said Angelakis. “As I consider our students ‘my kids’ as well, this has not always been an easy decision.”
Angelakis, who has cited psychological safety as a top district priority, has made sweeping changes in terms of mental health programming at the town’s middle and high schools, with the implementation of Swampscott Integrated for Transition (SWIFT) and Harbor programs.
SWIFT is designed to address the needs of students re-entering school after absences because of serious mental health problems or medical illness. Harbor is a special education program for students with emotional disabilities.
Her “therapy,” however, is when she gets to spend time with the district’s educators and students, Angelakis said, noting that visiting the various schools is what brings her the most joy in her position.
“It reminds me of why I went into education and why I strive every day to continue to provide the best educational opportunities for our students,” she said. “I feel a great responsibility in leading our district and I have a personal investment in every student, faculty, and staff member in our schools.
“I also take great pride in helping educators and administrators develop leadership skills. No matter what you do, there is always room for improvement, but our district is in a better place than it was six years ago when I became superintendent. As long as I continue to make a difference in our school community, I will continue to love what I do.”
Although Angelakis said the position has been difficult she would tell other women with aspirations of becoming a superintendent to “just do it,” but with the caveat that it will be the most challenging job they will ever love.
“As a woman, you will be challenged to balance family life and work life in a way that you probably never have before,” she said. “Your decisions will be questioned. Stay true to yourself despite the criticism that comes your way. Make sure your passion, empathy, understanding, kindness, and love of children inform all your decisions. You must find the time to take care of yourself as well. In the end, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.”
Before officially becoming the district’s superintendent, Angelakis served as assistant superintendent for more than a year. She was principal of Stanley Elementary School for eight years and a teacher before that. She has worked in Swampscott her entire career — she was first hired as an aide at Clarke Elementary School in 1990.
