Terrier takes leadership of the pack

Date: 7/13/2010

July 14, 2010

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor

WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Dr. Russell Johnston, interim school superintendent, hit the ground running last week assuming his new role in the district.

Johnston, previously the director of special services, took over for Superintendent Suzanne Marotta, whose last day was June 30. He explained he began his work with several priorities and personal philosophies in mind, including district-wide transparency, an open-door policy to the superintendent's office, fiscal responsibility and administrative leadership, among others.

"I feel a lot of support for and dedication from West Springfield," Johnston said, adding he plans to harness that collaborative spirit to increase community participation in the district.

"I want to know the opinions of [those in the] community to help shape the school community," he continued. "My secretaries know there's to be no hindrance [to those who want] to have access to me directly."

When asked if his previous statement was in reference to the former superintendent's unwillingness to communicate consistently and candidly with local press, Johnston replied that transparency and accessibility are his personal philosophies.

Johnston said he is hard at work on several priorities including the formation of a bullying prevention task force. He asked that parents, teachers, administrators or residents interested in becoming members of the task force to contact his office at 263-3290.

Johnston said other priorities include renewing the high school's accreditation, addressing the high school dropout rate and maintaining a balanced budget.

"We'll be able to weather the storm," he said of the most recent budget cuts, adding that fiscal conservatism is about differentiating between "want versus need." Johnston noted administrators meet on a weekly basis to discuss the district's finances.

When asked if he plans to apply for permanent residency as the district's superintendent, he replied, "I'm doing this for now and we'll see how things go."

School Committee members have stated previously that the search for a new superintendent may take up to one year.