Published in the April 18, 2018 edition
By JILLIAN STRING
LYNNFIELD — The School Committee honored departing member Salvatore Cammarata during his final meeting on April 10.
Beginning in 2012, Cammarata served two consecutive terms with the School Committee. However, he chose not to seek a third term in the recent Town Election. He will be succeeded by newly elected School Committee member Phil McQueen.
Cammarata said it’s been a privilege serving on the School Committee.
“Six years ago, I made a pledge to the voters of Lynnfield that I would work to preserve the status quo of an already high performing district, but more importantly, strive to collaborate with the superintendent and my School Committee colleagues to push it forward, because it is, after all, about continual growth and improvement,” said Cammarata. “Lynnfield remains one of the more desirable communities on the North Shore for families searching for an outstanding school system. All of the indicators are there, MCAS and SAT scores, AP course offerings, enrollment and exams, high school graduation and college acceptance rates.”
SCHOOL COMMITTEE member Salvatore Cammarata (third from right) was honored for his six years of service during his final meeting on April 10. From left, School Committee member Rich Sjoberg, School Committee Chairman Tim Doyle, School Committee Vice Chairwoman Dorothy Presser, Cammarata, Superintendent Jane Tremblay and School Committee member Jamie Hayman. (Jillian String Photo)
“The true hallmark, however, are our excellent, expert, and dedicated teachers led by an outstanding administrative leadership team, engaged and eager student learners, and supportive parents,” Cammarata continued. “As a committee member, it was a distinct pleasure and privilege to serve with two superintendents, Dr. Thomas Jefferson and more recently, Ms. Jane Tremblay, someone I consider to be a true instructional leader.”
“I am grateful for the diverging viewpoints offered by my current colleagues, Tim, Dorothy, Jamie, and Rich, and I also had the pleasure of serving with past members Susie Cleary, Jim Fagan and Chris Barrett,” Cammarata said. “We have been and will continue to be a very impactful and high performing school board. I’ve learned that it need not be about unanimity, but reaching a consensus. Different opinions and viewpoints are required, so that we may gain a deeper understanding of the programs, issues, and initiatives that we address, and yes, sometimes it’s okay to upset the applecart. As Aristotle reminds us, ‘While consistency and continuity are desirable, change is good and inevitable and it is the only constant truth.’”
School Committee members Rich Sjoberg, Dorothy Presser, Jamie Hayman and chairman Tim Doyle expressed gratitude and well wishes toward Cammarata.
“You didn’t speak often, necessarily, but when you spoke it was really worth sitting up and listening, and I really, really appreciate the thoughtful input that you provided to this board for the last six years,” Presser said.
Hayman agreed.
“Because you don’t speak a lot at these meetings, I don’t want the public to think that there wasn’t so much going on behind the scenes,” said Hayman. “The best compliment I can give you, and it’s the honest truth, is I have learned so much from you. Listening to how you talk about education, your experience, and it has made me a better board member, and for that I am very appreciative.”
“I have learned so much just being in your presence,” added Sjoberg. “I’m going to miss you, but I know you are going to enjoy your time once you leave. I’m happy for you.”
Doyle concurred with his colleagues’ viewpoints.
“I always affectionately referred to you, and it echoes really everything that everybody said here, as the adult in the room,” said Doyle. “We struggled and fought back and forth and argued in June about what we should do and not do. You always brought clarity through your experience, and we all benefited from that.”
Superintendent Jane Tremblay thanked Cammarata for his service and presented a special token of appreciation from the School Committee.
“I would like to thank you for your many contributions that you have made as one member of this board,” said Tremblay. “The students and the teachers in this district have clearly benefited from your time spent. In honor of your service, we have ordered a performance microphone for our middle school drama program. I just wanted to thank you for all that you have done, and it has been a privilege to serve with you.”
