Barrett Honored by School Committee
 Photos courtesy Ellen Sutherland
School Committee Vice Chairwoman presents Mayor John Barrett III with plaque recognizing his service to the school district. |
The mayor, according to the city's charter, is also the chairman of the School Committee. It's a position that Barrett, a former schoolteacher, has held for 26 years. During his time as leader, the school system as added programs in theater and art, athletics, after-school activities and technology, renovated Drury High School and rebuilt Brayton School.
But Tuesday was his last meeting as chairman, as the state's dean of mayors will turn over the reins to a new administration come January.
In recognition of his accomplishments and service, the committee presented Barrett with a plaque. Below are the remarks of Vice Chairwoman Heather Boulger:
Thank you, Mayor Barrett
I have the privilege of honoring and thanking a longtime colleague and friend for his many years service to the North Adams School District. On behalf of your School Committee colleagues, on behalf of the thousands of young people whose lives you have touched, and on behalf of the hundreds of educators that you have had an impact on, I would like to thank you for your dedicated 41 years of services to the North Adams Public Schools.
Twenty-six years as the chairman of this committee and 15 years as a teacher in the district is no small feat. I don't know anyone who is more passionate, has more heart, and is more committed to improving the educational system than John Barrett.
You have put our small community of North Adams on the map. Due to your efforts, our school system has received national and statewide recognition. We have exceptional academic offerings, have maintained strong extracurricular activities, quality sports programs, after-school programs, service-learning initiatives, quality arts, music and theater programs, full-day kindergarten, small class sizes, and the list goes on and on.
You have a great deal to be proud of in your tenure, and we are equally as proud of you! Despite difficult economic times, the North Adams schools' student/teacher ratio continues to be one of the lowest in Massachusetts. You believed strongly in investing in school safety by building new schools and renovating old ones and have introduced the use of technology at all levels. You have been a commonsense leader and a dedicated public servant who has made our school system a better place.
I have had the privilege of working with you for the past 12 years on the School Committee and even remember the old Johnson School days, when I was a student in one of the classrooms right below your class. It's funny how we always knew when there was a student in your class who was in trouble.
I know that you care deeply about this community, our young people, and our educators. You are one of the strongest advocates for youth education that North Adams has known. Please know that you have had a profound impact on our school system and we are grateful for that. It has been an honor working with you and we wish you the best with your future endeavors.
May joy and peace surround you,
Contentment latch your door,
And happiness be with you now,
And bless you evermore!
Please join me in thanking Mayor John Barrett for his tireless efforts advocating for the North Adams School System.
