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| By Danielle Paine, Reminder Assistant Editor LONGMEADOW In two unanimous votes last week, the Longmeadow School Committee granted permanent positions to interim employees Maureen Wilson and Susan Bertrand-Grant. Wilson, who was voted into the seat of Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services, had been serving as Interim Assistant Superintendent since Jahn Hart began her duties as Superintendent last July. "I think what makes it very special is the collegiality there is among all the staff and administrators," Wilson said about the town's education department. "I have been so overwhelmed with the support and enthusiasm of so many people in the district when I was appointed to this position that it took my breath away." Wilson entered the Longmeadow School System as a reading specialist more than ten years ago after several years of being a full-time mother. She has since become the district's English Language Arts Coordinator and an adjunct professor in the graduate program of at the Elms College. Wilson said that her decision to begin teaching was based on a long-time desire to educate and make a difference. As a reading specialist in particular, Wilson said she loved feeling like she made a big impact on the lives of young students. "I think my own children have done very well by Longmeadow," Wilson said about the district's educational quality in the perspective of a parent of three, the last of who will graduate from Longmeadow High School this year. "They have been successful to this point and I do put a lot of credit onto the Longmeadow School System for helping them reach their potential." Bertrand-Grant was also promoted from an interim position and into a permanent role as the Pupil Services Director for the district. Bertrand-Grant also began her interim appointment in July 2006. She had previously worked as the town's Special Education Supervisor. In this position, she is responsible for the district's special education, English Language Learner and Home Instruction programs. Special education, the primary focus of her role, is also where Bertrand-Grant's passion lies. "I believe it is one of the areas where an educator can make a maximum amount of difference," Bertrand-Grant said. "It's truly an area of challenge for staff and students but the rewards are tenfold." Bertrand-Grant began her career with the town's public schools six years ago as a Special Education Supervisor. She had previously taught special education in several other district. "It's great looking forward to tackling another year and it's nice to know it's a permanent thing now," Bertrand-Grant said. "This is a top notch school system and the special education department does a great job for kids in a district that really puts kids first." "I am thrilled to have them on our leadership team they have both brought outstanding qualities," said Superintendent Jahn Hart. "We have a great administrative team and Maureen and Susan have really rounded out that team." |