By Susan Gonsalves, Contributing Writer
WESTBOROUGH – The Westborough School Committee bid farewell to Director of Finance and Administration Irene Oliver and welcomed Andrew Chen as the new student representative on June 9.
At what was the last meeting of the school year, members presented Oliver with a gift and thanked her for her years of service to the district.
Oliver officially retires on August 1, although she said that she would be available, if needed, as the district transitions to David Gordon in that role.
Saying that she has a difficult time with closure, a choked-up Oliver said that her 11-year tenure in Westborough was a reflection of what a pleasure it has been to work in the community.
Typically, people in her position “bounce around” after a few years in that job, she said. But she’s been compelled to stay and feels “blessed” by the School Committee members and superintendents with which she’s worked.
Her 38-year career also included business manager positions in Malden schools, as well as the Lower Pioneer Valley Education Collaborative. She also served as business manager for campus services at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Superintendent Amber Bock noted that it will be a “big change” for the school district without Oliver.
“It will feel very different not having you as the person crushing numbers,” she said.
Member Radhu Nandan thanked Oliver for her work, “especially last year when you helped pull us through tough times,” he said.
His colleagues also expressed gratitude and wished her well in her retirement.
At the start of the meeting, Bock introduced Chen to the board, noting that she would communicate with him more fully on what the expectations are as a student representative at a later time.
Chen noted that he is vice president of the Class of 2022, president of the National Honor Society at Westborough High and also plays tennis.
He will be reporting to the committee about activities across the schools at future meetings while also providing insight as a student on other topics the committee discusses.
