LYNNFIELD — Jane Tremblay’s final day as Lynnfield School Superintendent is just a few days away — Tuesday to be exact.
While she may be officially riding into the sunset of retirement, she isn’t going away for long.
After a few days away on vacation with her husband, Greg, Tremblay will be stepping into a new role as a district consultant at the end of next week.
School Committee Chairman Jamie Hayman made the announcement Tuesday during the final meeting of the school year.
“We’ve all been going through an unusual time with the buildings being closed for three months, so I am pleased to say that we have reached an agreement for Jane to stay on with us through the year to work with Kristen (new Superintendent Vogel).”
Vogel, formerly the Principal at Tewksbury High School, was selected as Tremblay’s successor earlier this year.
Tremblay said she intends to maintain a low profile, “behind-the-curtain” style.
“Due to the pandemic and school starting in September, we know there will be peaks and valleys, so the thought is to stay on to guide and mentor Kristen as someone who has been in education for a very long time,” said Tremblay, who served as superintendent for six years, adding that she and Vogel already have an initial meeting date in place to begin the transition.
The meeting was an opportunity for committee members to say their official goodbyes and share some memorable moments and humor.
“You have been an awesome colleague and a great person to be in the foxhole with,” said committee member Tim Doyle, joking that Jane “did an above-average job — I have looked at your reviews.”
Chairman Jamie Hayman recalled that his involvement with Tremblay and Lynnfield schools began with a broken bus.
“My daughter’s bus broke down, and being my first child, I went to Summer Street to let you know in case other parents were worried,” he said. “That experience meeting you for the first time was what led me to the School Committee. You have given everything you’ve had to the district. You say that if you do the right things, the right things will follow and you’re a testament to that.”
Committee member Tim Doyle read two State House proclamations, the first from state representative and House minority leader, Bradley H. Jones, Jr., and House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo, which expressed its “very best wishes” to Tremblay.
Tremblay also received a proclamation from Sen. Brendan Crighton and Senate President Karen Spilka. It expressed “best wishes for continued success” for Tremblay.
Committee member Stacey Dahlstedt expressed her gratitude to Tremblay, presenting her with three books on behalf of the committee, the first “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Professor Yuval Noah Harari.
“This goes exactly to what everything you say about how important relationships are,” Dahlstedt said.
The second book, “The Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company,” by Robert Allen Iger, Dahlstedt said speaks to the values that Tremblay has always emphasized — optimism, courage, focus, curiosity and fairness.
The final book presented to Tremblay, a big hockey fan, was “Tales from the Boston Bruins Locker Room: A Collection of the Greatest Bruins Stories Ever Told” by Kerry Keene.
“I hope you have a good start on your summer reading,” Dahlstedt said.
Hayman said the committee had considered a video tribute, but elected instead to go old school. He said that Tremblay will receive a book containing hundreds of hand-written notes and cards from students and teachers for her to enjoy during the first few months of retirement.
“To say that I was moved is an understatement,” Tremblay said. “Hearing all those kind words was very humbling. Every day it hits me a little more that the journey is over, but I am excited for what lies ahead. I’ve always said, it’s important to leave when it’s really hard to leave because if it’s easy, you have stayed too long.
“Lynnfield is a second home for me and will always be a special place for me. I’ve truly been privileged to serve the community and it’s been incredible to have worked with such incredible people. I will be forever grateful to have the chance to serve and I am so blessed to be part of this community. I have made so many true friends that will also be important to me, so thank you.”
Anne Marie Tobin can be reached at [email protected].
