SAUGUS — The School Committee got to talk about the positives at its meeting Thursday night, as Executive Director of Finance and Administration Pola Andrews won the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials President’s Award.
MASBO Executive Director Margaret Raymond Driscoll presented the award to Andrews. The award is the group’s most prestigious award given out.
“This award is made possible through MASBO’s partnership with Boston Business Technology and RISO, and it comes with a $1,500 contribution to the Saugus Public Schools in Ms. Andrew’s name,” Raymond Driscoll said.
The past year’s MASBO President, Daniel Gale, who could not attend that night, noted that “Ms. Andrews elevated the profession every day with her expertise, leadership and compassion.”
“Superintendent Hashem highlighted her dedication and compassion, noting that she has been and continues to be a champion for equity and assurance that all students have what is needed to find success,” Raymond Driscoll said.
She continued that Andrews has served as a mentor in MASBO’s Professional Support Program, and her mentee has said that she is wonderful to work with, helpful, knowledgeable and supportive.
“Ms. Andrews also has played a critical role at the state level, serving in the DESE Data Commission Group. Separately and underscored by one of her core beliefs in children as a member of the Feed the Kids Coalition sponsored by Project Bread, she advocated successfully for universal school meals in Massachusetts, which has helped thousands and thousands of children,” she said.
Committee Chair Vincent Serino said he was fortunate enough to work with Andrews.
“It just amazes me what she gets done in the time frame she gets it done and the things she gets back to us. Well deserved and well earned,” he said.
In a statement to the Item, Andrews said, “I’m deeply honored to receive this prestigious award from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials (MASBO). MASBO has been instrumental in my professional growth — through its robust development programs, strong peer‑support network, and countless opportunities to enhance my skills. I am truly grateful not only for the chance to contribute to my professional organization, DESE, Project Bread and Saugus Public Schools, but most importantly to serve the students of our district — who remain at the heart of everything I do.”
