By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Although Tom Kennedy retired as human resources director of Shrewsbury Public Schools in June 2012, his contributions to the community have continued with no end in sight. He was honored with this year's Community Service Award by the Shrewsbury Education Foundation (SEF) at its 21st annual awards dinner Jan. 25 at the Cyprian Keyes Golf Club in Boylston.
Superintendent Dr. Joseph Sawyer shared with guests a story incorporating what he called Kennedy's “legendary” characteristics: his work ethic, humor, and memory. At a recent late-night meeting, the School Committee and Kennedy's successor, Barbara Malone, were finalizing negotiations with the teacher's association. A question arose regarding a technical element of a contract from several years ago. Determining that Kennedy was the only person who would know the details, they made a late-night phone call.
Sawyer relayed, “Tom answered the phone and said he was expecting them to call.”
Kennedy readily provided the information needed to close the deal.
“Tom continues to support and do good leadership work for this community in his retirement,” Sawyer added.
Accepting the award, Kennedy reflected on his 12 years with the school system and his current endeavors.
“I was not quite sure what I wanted to do as I started the next chapter of my life, but I did know that I want to do something new and different,” he shared. “I feel very fortunate now to be able to give back to this community in helping out especially in three areas: the Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services (SYFS), the St. Mary School Board and the Town of Shrewsbury Retirement System. I truly enjoy working with each of these groups and the relationships I'se formed with so many dedicated professionals.”
Kennedy served as interim executive director for SYFS last January through May until the position was filled by Terry Cassidy.
“Tom was an outstanding interim leader for SYFS,” Cassidy said. “The staff was so grateful for his inclusive management style.”
Melanie Petrucci, SEF co-president and a SYFS board member, has known Kennedy for many years.
“Tom was very instrumental in keeping things going when he jumped in to help us out with SYFS,” she said. “He has contributed so much to the organization.”
Continuing his involvement with the agency, Kennedy is among the community leaders participating in its current “We Are SYFS” campaign.
An active parishioner of St. Mary's Church, Kennedy offers his experience in education at a time when Catholic schools are closing nationwide.
“I thought I could help stabilize enrollment in working with the parents, teachers, and other board members to continue to make St. Mary School a viable option in town,” he said.
Kennedy was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to serve without stipend as one of five Retirement Board members. While regional retirement systems are comprised of several communities, the Shrewsbury Retirement Board focuses exclusively on the needs of the town's retirees, which Kennedy believes is beneficial.
“We have a lot more local control for the better in having our own retirement board in Shrewsbury,” he noted. “We know the needs of our system.”
For Kennedy, retirement is a time to stay connected with community service.
“In retirement you have a responsibility to yourself to stay active and challenged,” he said. “You have some choices when you retire and one of them is giving back to the community.”
Nominations for the Community Service Award were collected and reviewed by the organization's committee, explained Chris Juetten, SEF co-president.
“Tom was unanimously chosen,” she said. “At a time when Shrewsbury really needs people to embody the community spirit, Tom Kennedy is that guy.”