Officials to retiring schools’ leader:

‘The impact you made is everlasting’

Published July 1, 2020

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Current and former local officials sung the praises of retiring Superintendent Jane Tremblay during her last School Committee meeting on June 23.

Tremblay retired from the school system on Tuesday after working for Lynnfield Public Schools for the past 34 years, including the last six years as superintendent. Former Tewksbury Memorial High School Principal Kristen Vogel has succeeded Tremblay.

School Committeeman Phil McQueen thanked Tremblay for her “dedication and commitment to the students of Lynnfield.”

“As an educator, you always put students first whether as a teacher, a principal or as superintendent,” said McQueen. “What is most important in my mind is as an administrator, you never lost sight of what the classroom looked like. The most important part of an excellent school system is what happens in the classroom. Thank you for everything you have done.”

Board of Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett praised Tremblay for being an “effective advocate for our students, teachers, staff, administrators and community.” He also called Tremblay a “loving friend,” and said she was incredibly supportive after his mother-in-law, Gail Keddy, passed away last year. After he was first elected to the School Committee in the spring of 2012, Barrett said his mother-in-law told him to meet with Tremblay.

“From that moment, I knew I was looking at the next superintendent of schools,” said Barrett. “As chairman of the Board of Selectmen, I can say on behalf of my colleagues how much you have meant to us and our community. Everyone at this meeting would agree our children are our pride and joy, and we have been fortunate having you fighting for them each and every day. Your can-do attitude is what made the difference for us and, most importantly, our kids.”

Barrett also commended Tremblay for being “ahead of the curve” for emphasizing the importance of supporting students’ mental health needs as well as improving school security. He also thanked her for helping get the LMS Track and Field project approved.

“The impact you made is everlasting,” said Barrett. “We can all take pride knowing that your legacy will live on in the children of Lynnfield for many generations to come. Thank you for being our children’s greatest advocate and champion.”

Selectman Dick Dalton spoke on behalf of the Think of Michael Foundation. He said Tremblay is a “friend and a leader in this community whose influence and contributions went far beyond managing a school district.”

“Working with the foundation and A Healthy Lynnfield, Jane helped us raise awareness about substance use disorder to students in the district and the town as a whole,” said Dalton. “Last year, we had 600 people attend the Night of Hope vigil. A lot of people contributed to the success of that event, but none more than Jane. Thank you Jane for all you have done.”

Think of Michael President Carmela Dalton also thanked Tremblay for being “a compassionate and supportive friend.”

“After we lost our son Michael, you were always there with beautiful notes, big hugs and, at times, kind words and the tears that went along with them,” said Carmela.

Former School Committee member Dorothy Presser said she admires Tremblay’s “commitment, energy, focus, professionalism, sense of humor and grace.” She also said Tremblay cared deeply about the well-being of students, educators, staff and the community.

“It has been a true honor to work with you and call you my friend,” said Presser.

Former School Committee member Susie Cleary praised Tremblay for being a strong leader during her 10-year tenure as Summer Street School’s principal as well as her six-year tenure as superintendent.

“Speaking from a woman’s perspective with two daughters, it has been so great my girls and other girls can watch such a driven, intelligent, motivated and successful woman also be warm, classy and funny,” said Cleary. “I think you are a great role model for the women and the young children in this community. I am so proud that I can call you my friend.”

Teaching and Learning Director Kevin Cyr said Tremblay is “so much more than a superintendent.”

“Throughout the ups and downs, you have been there for everyone,” said Cyr. “It’s about relationships and that doesn’t come easy. You have to earn that trust and respect, and you certainly did. On a personal note, thank you for being a great friend and mentor.”

School Finance Director Tom Geary said Tremblay was always willing to offer personal and professional advice. He recalled that he recently told his wife that Tremblay “always takes the time to get to know everybody.”

“That is how relationships are built,” said Geary. “That is something I appreciate so much.”

School Committee Vice Chairman Rich Sjoberg said he was proud to call Tremblay his friend. He recalled that Tremblay encouraged him to run for School Committee four years ago over a cup of coffee on a Saturday morning.

“I am so grateful to have a seat at the table, and that is because of you,” said Sjoberg. “I have told you many times I am your number fan, and that will never go away. I will be forever grateful for the road map you put the Lynnfield Public Schools on. I am so happy for you as you get to spend more time with your family. Thank you for everything.”

High School Principal Bob Cleary agreed.

“We are going to miss her terribly,” said Cleary. “She has been an awesome mentor to me.”

School Committee member Stacy Dahlstedt recalled that she first met Tremblay when her son, Ben, entered kindergarten at Summer Street School seven years ago. She said she enjoyed working with her as a parent as well as on the School Committee.

“One of the things people know about you is the open door policy that you have,” said Dahlstedt. “You have built relationships with students, parents, faculty, staff and the community. You treat everyone with kindness, empathy and respect. That has allowed you to be a great leader in this community. I really respect you and value your leadership and your friendship. We will miss you, but we hope you will stay in touch and you enjoy your time with your family.”

School Committee member Tim Doyle read proclamations from House Minority Leader Brad Jones (R-North Reading) and state Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) that commended Tremblay’s service to Lynnfield. He said he was proud to call the retiring superintendent “a great friend and an awesome colleague.”

“We have experienced a lot of sweat and a lot of tears, and you were a great person to be in the foxhole with,” said Doyle. “I appreciate everything you have done for the town.”

School Committee Chairman Jamie Hayman recalled that he first met Tremblay after his oldest daughter’s bus broke down. He said the conversation with Tremblay, who was Summer Street’s principal at the time, led him to joining the Summer Street School Council and later School Committee.

“You are a good friend who has given everything to this district,” said Hayman. “You do things for the right reasons, and that is for the kids and the families in Lynnfield. We have talked about that if you do things for the right reasons, results will follow. And your whole career is a testament to that. You have made over 6,000 kids and families’ lives better because they have passed through the Lynnfield Public Schools while you were here. I can’t thank you enough.”

The School Committee also gave Tremblay three books for the reading enthusiast to enjoy during her retirement.

“We think you will have a good start on your summer reading,” said Dahlstedt.

Hayman also noted the school board compiled a book comprised of handwritten notes and cards that were solicited from students and families.

Tremblay was blown away by the tribute.

“I am completely overwhelmed,” said Tremblay. “Lynnfield is a second home to me and it always has been. I have been so privileged to be able to serve this community. I have been so fortunate to work with incredible people in the district, on the Administrative Leadership Team, the School Committee and the town. I said to someone it’s really important to leave when it’s hard to leave, and it’s really hard to leave. I will be forever grateful to Lynnfield for taking a chance on me and giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.  Lynnfield will always be a very special place in my heart. Thank you for everything you have given and done for me as well.”