SAUGUS — With the November election nearing, the School Committee held its final meeting with the current members, giving them the opportunity to thank their fellow members and the residents. Committee member John Hatch, who is not running this year, was absent from the meeting.
Stephanie Mastrocola, who is running again this year, thanked everyone for the past two years she has been on the Committee.
“It has definitely been a learning experience. I hope to be on the next panel; if not, I wish the next panel all the luck. But I will say, sitting on a panel with all these men, I was a little worried,” Mastrocola said.
She said that each one of them answered all her questions, never made her feel “uncomfortable or stupid,” and they were always there when she had a question.
“Ryan (Fisher) spent more time on me with this last negotiation, talking to me, than his wife and his child,” she joked. “I do appreciate all your help that you gave to me.”
Mastrocola said it has been a pleasure to work with Superintendent Michael Hashem and that there’s more work to be done. She also thanked Executive Director of Finance and Administration Pola Andrews for helping her understand the financial aspect of the Committee.
Fisher, who will not be running again this year, said, “It’s been a wild six years,” and joked that he looked like a second-term president on his last day.
“When I first ran, I had a daughter who was about to enter the system, and I was concerned about it… I’ve lived in this town my entire life. I feel so much better about the school system (and) the path it’s on. Working with such talented people (over) the last six years, I have full faith that this system is going to endure,” he said.
Fisher thanked the parents, families, voters, and all who trusted him over the last six years to make decisions. He also thanked the Committee, especially Vincent Serino and Thomas Whittredge, as chairs.
“People don’t understand, I think, how hard these jobs are. I will tell anyone for the rest of my life being on the School Committee is the hardest job you’ll ever do,” he said.
Vice Chair Thomas Whittredge, who will also be running again, said he didn’t know what he was going to say today.
“This becomes your life, really, School Committee… It consumes you, especially me, working in town and stuff. I’m synonymous with School Committee,” Whittredge said.
He continued that it’s important for him to get these schools to the point where every kid gets the best education.
“When I’m satisfied is probably when I’ll stop running for School Committee. When I’m satisfied that every kid is getting the education they’re supposed to get. We work for the taxpayers. We work for the parents in town,” he said.
He said he loves fighting for the kids and working with different groups.
“We all did not agree. We didn’t agree on a lot of things, but you know what, you’ve got to keep it civil. This is for the next Committee: Keep it civil, and always respect each other’s decisions because they’re not going to be the same… You get hired to be your voice,” Whittredge said.
He said that the schools are in a much better place, noting that Fisher was a big part of that. He joked that he won’t be saying anything to Mastrocola because he hopes to see her on Nov. 4, voting day.
“It’s been a pleasure working with you. I love your passion,” he said.
Whittredge also noted how Hashem has been good for the district.
Chair Vincent Serino, who will not be running again, as he is running for the Board of Selectmen, said that it was bittersweet for him.
“We’ve been through a lot together. I’m wishing the next Committee the best, and if you need anything, feel free to call me,” Serino said.
Serino gave his thanks to the teachers, administrators, school nurses, paraprofessionals, clerks, parents, and the students during his Report of the Chair.
“You helped us and me grow and become better committee members. I truly appreciate this journey with all of you guys, and I look forward to watching your continued success with the new Committee,” he said. “I think we’ve made great strides together up here, but there’s still a lot more work to be done.”
The entire Committee thanked those who helped them over the years and acknowledged the work and effort they each put in.
