Marlborough superintendent leaving
By Doug Grindle Community Reporter

Marlborough - The Marlborough School District will be soon looking for a new chief. Superintendent Barbara McGann tendered her resignation Jan. 22, saying she has opportunities elsewhere she feels she must pursue.

McGann submitted a letter of resignation to the members of the School Committee. The resignation was read into the record at the committee meeting later that day, and committee members voted to accept the notice and place it on file.

School officials attending the meeting on other business said they had no idea the resignation was coming.

McGann apologized to staff for the abrupt notice, but she also told reporters she was happy with her decision.

"I have some very exciting opportunities," McGann said. "It's the right thing to do for me right now."

Under her contract, McGann can give 120 days' notice before leaving her position. She said she expects to remain in place until May, and is exploring two opportunities, both in education.

McGann said she would miss running the Marlborough School District.

"We've done some amazing things over the last year and a half," she said. "It's not what I would have chosen, but you've got to act when opportunity knocks."

McGann also said she expected the reforms she has instituted would not be aff ected by her departure.

Under McGann, the district has moved to a new system of online curriculum, which has a goal of creating of an entirely new way of teaching. The system is built around a centralized website that allows teachers to freely exchange lesson plans and teaching ideas.

Under McGann, the district also created an innovative new alumni association, meant to raise money to improve the schools and provide networking opportunities for students. In addition, it created a new education foundation, also meant to raise money and funnel it into improving schools.

The district also more vigorously pursues grants as part of a major push to add new technology to classrooms.

McGann said three principals involved in instituting the new teaching methods will continue to shepherd it through.

"I'm not worried about the district," she said. "I've put some key people in charge who are going to carry it forward. I do things that are systematic."

McGann's departure sparked a negative reaction among many city officials.

"We are disappointed, and we are exploring all of our options," said Mayor Nancy Stevens, who chairs the School Committee. "It's a lot to get someone in a position and it's obviously disappointing to have to do it again."

McGann took up her post in October 2006, after a lengthy search.

"We as a committee are very disappointed and at this point exploring our options," committee member Robert Seymour said. "We are trying to figure out what our next steps are as a committee. I think for anyone, in a broad sense, finding a superintendent for a School Committee is a difficult task."

Former School Committee member Joseph Delano, who took up a City Council seat this month, said he regretted McGann's departure.

"I am really sad that Barbara is leaving," Delano said. "I know she is going to be great whatever she goes. I am sure the School Committee is going to be just fine."

McGann's departure comes after some of the reforms she instituted caused some unease in the district, according to some city officials.

Administration officials acknowledged that the new curriculum would cause extra work for teachers in the short term, but said the changes would result in a significant easing of class preparation time in the long term, as well as improve the quality of the instruction.

McGann said she has not yet decided which job she will take up next. She said business in the district will continue as usual.

"We intend to remain focused on teaching and learning," McGann said.