MARLBOROUGH – Michael Bergeron has announced his resignation as superintendent of the Marlborough Public Schools.
Bergeron was emotional as he announced his resignation to the Marlborough School Committee Jan. 11. He said his focus is creating a smooth transition for the next superintendent.
“But I feel this is the best choice for me and my family,” Bergeron said.
Bergeron will remain as superintendent through June 30 before starting his new position with Tabletop Tycoon, which is an independent game publisher based in Manchester, N.H.
“I had an offer to join a company that I’ve been involved with for a long time, and I could not pass up that opportunity,” he told the Community Advocate.
He said he has been involved with Tabletop Tycoon in a private capacity for a number of years.
Bergeron has worked at the district since 2014, including the past three years at the helm as superintendent, according to his LinkedIn. Prior to becoming superintendent, he served as the assistant superintendent of finance and operation and executive director of finance and operations.
After his announcement, School Committee members reacted to his decision. Member Katherine Hennessy said it was “one of the hardest phone calls to ever get.”
“It is what it is,” said member Michelle Bodin-Hettinger. “Thank you for your heartfelt words and your continued partnership with us to keep MPS on track.”
Bergeron announced his resignation in a letter to faculty and staff on Jan. 5 provided to the Community Advocate.
“It is an honor to serve as your Superintendent of Schools, and I am proud of the work we have accomplished together during my tenure,” he said.
When he started on Jan. 2, 2014, Bergeron said the staff welcomed him and “made me feel like I was a Panther on my first day and a valued colleague each day after that.”
He reflected on the work accomplished over the course of the past eight years, saying that he was “happy to report that we have made substantial progress in that time.”
Among those accomplishments, he said they eliminated “costly” barriers for students to participate in all activities and the district was a leader in the state by promoting tuition-free preschool opportunities.
During his time with the district, Marlborough built and opened the new Goodnow Brothers Elementary School, which opened its doors to students last school year.
When he served as both superintendent and assistant superintendent for finance, Bergeron presented the schools’ budget to the City Council eight times and has “never faced reduction to the education budget approved by our Mayor.”
“Marlborough values and supports education, and I am grateful for that support,” he said. “MPS exemplifies what a public school can be.”
While building schools, strategic planning and leading through the pandemic are memorable, Bergeron said he will always remember and hold sacred his relationships and colleagues.
“What will stay with me permanently, and what will always be at the forefront of my memories are the people I have had the chance to work with,” Bergeron said. “Getting to know you all on a deeper and more personal level has made this job incredibly satisfying, and what I will truly miss moving forward.”
Over the next six months, Bergeron said he will work with the School Committee to transition his duties.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been provided such a high level of support in transitioning to this role and look forward to offering the same level of support to the next Superintendent of Schools,” he said.
Additional reporting by Ben Domaingue
