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Date: 4/11/2023
AGAWAM — While several area school districts are in the midst of hiring new school superintendents, the Agawam School Committee recently approved a new long-term contract with its current superintendent.
The committee voted unanimously, without any discussion, to approve Sheila Hoffman’s new contract at its March 21 meeting. The contract begins July 1 and runs through June 30, 2028. Hoffman is the district’s 15th superintendent since the position was created in 1921, the year before the original high school, now Doering School, was dedicated.
The school chief said she’s “excited” to continue her commitment to Agawam’s students and educators.
“To see the results of any plan or change, it takes three to five years,” Hoffman said. “Longevity in leadership is important for consistency in a shared vision and implementing a plan that achieves desirable outcomes. A five-year contract allows me to show that commitment.”
The Longmeadow resident was serving as interim superintendent in December 2020 when she was appointed permanent superintendent for three years.
Hoffman grew up in Agawam and was Agawam High School’s valedictorian in 1992. She was hired as assistant superintendent in May 2018 and became interim superintendent following the retirement of then-Superintendent Steve Lemanski in June 2020.
The committee planned to conduct a search for a new school chief, but because of the coronavirus pandemic, scrapped that plan and instead appointed Hoffman.
“I’m very grateful for my new contract,” said Hoffman, who added that School Committee members — past and present — have been extremely supportive of her leadership from its tumultuous beginning due to COVID-19. “There’s a level of mutual respect and trust that makes our work together effective.”
That feeling of mutual respect and trust is apparent in comments from several committee members who expressed strong support for Hoffman.
Mayor William Sapelli, who chairs the School Committee, and committee member Wendy Rua both said when Hoffman began as superintendent, it was unprecedented times with the coronavirus pandemic.
Sapelli, who was the district’s school superintendent until his retirement in 2017, said Hoffman’s ability to “calmly and professionally” steer the district through a difficult situation made him realize she was the natural choice to be the school leader for Agawam.
“I was impressed by her attention to and consideration of all stakeholders while still ministering first to the needs of students. She’s a capable, insightful and thoughtful example for all superintendents to follow,” said Sapelli.
Rua also praised Hoffman’s ability to navigate hybrid and remote school days in addition to managing a crisis of social-emotional well-being within the school community.
During her tenure, Rua said, Hoffman has “deliberately and thoughtfully” taken time to meet individually with many, if not all, constituent groups within the district to listen to their needs to get a clear view of the next steps for Agawam’s schools.
“Sheila has a collaborative style of leadership. She is accessible and present at community events to cheer on our students’ successes and also meets with student groups to listen to their concerns,” said Rua. “We’re fortunate to have a dedicated superintendent who is willing to commit to a long-term contract.”
Committee member Shelley Borgatti-Reed believes Hoffman’s leadership was instrumental in successfully guiding the district through the coronavirus pandemic.
“Good superintendents are hard to find right now,” said Borgatti-Reed. “Sheila’s an excellent leader who has a lot more she would like to do in regards to moving our schools forward. She deserves the opportunity to lead our schools without all those obstacles.”
Committee member Dawn DeMatteo said Hoffman’s “passion and dedication” is evident in her support of students and staff.
“Sheila has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and communication skills. while being completely transparent and informative with the School Committee. She has a vision for the district and is doing an extraordinary job fulfilling that vision. I have complete confidence in her abilities and look forward to the next five years with her in this position” said DeMatteo.
Committee member Michael Perry said Hoffman has done an “excellent job” as superintendent: “The committee is happy to have her for the foreseeable future,” he said.
Among Hoffman’s top goals for the next five years are revising the district’s strategic plan to include the development of “a vision for the graduate” and continuing efforts to personalize learning for all students by engaging students and families in “authentic, student-centered” learning.
She said some of the biggest challenges facing the district are addressing students’ mental health concerns. increasing achievement levels overall and decreasing the achievement gap that exists between groups of students.
With her new contract, Hoffman will earn a base salary of $175,958 starting July 1. Her salary will increase by 2.5% to $180,357 on July 1, 2024, followed by a 2% increase on July 1, 2025, which will raise her salary to $183,964.
In comparison, Agawam teachers will receive an increase of 2.5% salary for the first two years of their new three-year contract and a 2% increase in the third year. Hoffman’s salary amount for the last two years of her contract will be negotiated later with the School Committee.
In addition to her base salary, Hoffman will receive additional compensation with annual longevity payments. She will receive $1,000 payments beginning at the end of her fifth year of service; $1,400 payments at the end of her seventh year; $2,000 payments starting at the end of her 10th year. Prior years of service with the district will count in determining her longevity payments.
In addition to her time as assistant superintendent, Hoffman also served 2010-2014 as an assistant principal at Agawam High School. She left that post to become the principal at a Springfield elementary school.
Her favorite part of being superintendent, she said, is going to classrooms, seeing teachers and students engaging in meaningful, student-centered activities that make learning fun. Her least favorite part: calling snow days.