Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/22/2023
WESTHAMPTON — Mary Jane Rickson was hired by Hampshire Regional School District as permanent assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment on Aug. 15, pending successful contract negotiations. Local doctor Hanno Muellner was also hired as the district’s physician.
According to Superintendent Diana Bonneville, the assistant superintendent position was re-advertised and attracted 11 new applications, in addition to the resumes previously received. Several principals and staff went through the applications, after which three School Committee members, three principals and four teachers winnowed the field to three candidates, including Rickson, an experienced administrator.
“Vicki, Nicole and I interviewed the three candidates to determine who we felt would be the best match to our needs, in terms of expertise, personality and what they could bring to Hampshire Regional,” Bonneville said.
The interview committee also asked for a one minute video introduction and a slide deck or presentation of a lesson.
Rickson was the top choice. Currently the principal at Murdock High School, part of the Winchendon district, she served as superintendent in North Brookfield and interim superintendent in Maynard. She was also the director of curriculum and instruction in the Athol-Royalston regional district for three years.
In 2008, Rickson earned a masters degree in education leadership and administration from American International College. In 1990, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and government from Western New England University. Her career in education began 33 years ago in the Springfield school district.
The online job interview gave Rickson the chance to assure School Committee members she hopes to remain in the district long-term after occupying a series of short-term positions. She also repeatedly commented on the need to listen and be collaborative.
“My first 15 days…will be a listening tour,” Rickson said. “Let’s look at what we have and develop a relationship. What can we celebrate? What are some of the challenges?”
Mending fences may be an important skill for Rickson in the district. Her efforts to build rapport with other staff and stakeholders will start with being in the schools, being visible, a crucial first step in building bonds and being collaborative. She said teachers need to feel they are being heard by the administration.
Rickson commented on instructional best practices by siting the need for clear classroom objectives and inquiry based learning. She also offered a strong belief in the importance of student-led learning, teaching children to be curious.
“My biggest thing really is, I want the children to take risks in the classroom. How do we let them do that?” Rickson said. “That’s a scary proposal for teachers as well. We need to make sure teachers are comfortable…and that they have the right to let the students make those decisions on their own.”
When asked about what advice she would offer a new teacher, Rickson again struck a note of collaboration.
“You have something the district is interested in working with,” Rickson said. “We want to help. We were all there at one time. The first few years are very hard.”
Rickson also recommended prioritizing relationships with parents and stakeholders, students and fellow teachers. When a teacher earns the support of a family they get better support in the classroom, she said. The administration can teach the nuts and bolts, but a teacher needs those connections.
“Become part of the fabric of the land,” Rickson said. “If you can garner the trust and build those relationships it will help you to be a better teacher.”
The only stumbling block Rickson encountered was the possible role she may play in developing health curriculum. Kim Schott, Southampton School Committee member, said the assistant superintendent will be centrally involved in developing those lesson plans. Did she have any experience in doing that?
“We would get a team together to do it,” Rickson said. “It wouldn’t be at my sole discretion…and [we would] be collaborative in that.”
Each of the five school committees in the district entertained a motion to offer Rickson the assistant superintendent position. Committee members voted unanimously to approve the hiring.
Muellner, an internist and doctor local to Williamsburg, was also hired as the district physician. Bonneville said the position is difficult to fill and the advertisement drew two responses — but support for Muellner’s application wasn’t hard to find.
“I know him personally and I would say, I feel very confident in his skills,” said Colin Black, a School Committee member from Williamsburg. “I’ve never seen him as a doctor, but I know people who have, and [they] have had very good results with him.”
Paul Marcinek echoed that praise for Muellner, as did Marissa Nye, chair of the Williamsburg committee.
“I would like to echo what other people have said,” Nye said. “I don’t actually know Dr. Muellner personally, but I’ve heard lots of good things about him. So that’s great news.”
The committees entered executive session to discuss employment related matters and did not return to open session.