SAUGUS — Residents won’t see Dr. David DeRousi at any more school committee meetings.
The most recent school committee meeting at the end of June was his last as superintendent for Saugus schools. After five years, DeRousi announced his retirement earlier this year before taking an interim superintendent position in Raymond, N.H.
After returning from executive session, Tom Whittredge, chair of the School Committee, took the time to publicly acknowledge the former superintendent.
“I know that your position is pretty much very thankless — superintendent of schools. The two biggest positions in town are town manager and superintendent of the schools and in both you can’t please everybody. I know there have been a lot of times where you have had to make some tough decisions and (they weren’t) well received, but if people look at the body of work over the last five years, we’re down to this three-school system where everything is brand new. Brand new furniture, brand new equipment, brand new laptops, (and) desktops. We’re looking to get new buses and trucks for the district, and new equipment. We have everything that every other district in the world wants.”
Whittredge thanked DeRousi for helping make all of that, and more, happen. The committee chair also noted that while some people want to enact change they aren’t willing to put in the work, that wasn’t the case for DeRousi.
When asked about DeRousi’s time as superintendent, school committee vice-chair Ryan Fisher was grateful for the position that the superintendent left them in.
“When Dr. DeRousi came to Saugus we had antiquated facilities, little technology, budget rollbacks, and we’d just had four superintendents in three years. On his last day after five years, we have brand new, or fully refurbished, facilities, state-of-the art technology in every classroom, universal free all-day kindergarten starting this fall, curriculum directors to boost student achievement, and a funding path to make them permanent. He worked until the end of his last day, sending emails and tying up loose ends and ensuring the best possible transition for Ms. (Erin) McMahon (his successor). He ended on top, left us in great shape, and we’ll remember that.”
DeRousi acknowledged that he had to make some tough decisions but he believes that Saugus schools are in a good place.
“I’ve had a good five years and I agree that the body of work is probably my best with everything that was going on and still maintaining a focus. I’m feeling good. I think I’m leaving you guys in a great position.”
A testament to DeRousi’s work is the fact that his grandchildren will be going through the Saugus school system even after he is gone.
“I have two little ones about to enter the school system and I don’t think a grandfather could give a better gift than what they’re walking into right now and it’s up to the committees and superintendent to stay focused. Don’t get into the muck and mire of it and just keep moving it forward.”
