MARLBOROUGH – Douglas Dias wrapped up his tenure as the director of finance and operations for Marlborough Public Schools with good news on several fronts.
During the School Committee meeting on June 27, Dias reported that food services recently finished a very successful year.
“All schools have consistently served lunch to 70% of their students, with four schools reaching 75% for at least one month this year,” said Dias.
He credited Food Service Director Pam Whelan and “our six phenomenal kitchen managers” for the high rate of participation.
Transportation update
Despite a nationwide shortage of school bus drivers, Dias said most of the Marlborough routes have been covered, either by permanent drivers or by substitutes.
He credited outgoing Transportation Coordinator Stephen Phalen for his role in providing safe and efficient transportation.
Filipe DaCosta will replace Phalen.
Dias said that as of June 30, there are six “open” seats for August and three additional “likely” openings.
“There are 10 drivers in the pipeline (three training for permits, three with permits in hand, and four with 20-60 hours of commercial drivers license training). I remain confident that NRT leadership and the driver’s union are committed to Marlborough students,” he said.
Dias said it will be a “busy summer” for the facilities and custodial teams, with several projects in the pipeline, including an HVAC project at Jaworek Elementary; and nearly 800 pieces of furniture being delivered to the schools.
Thanks, and goodbye
As Dias makes way for the new director, Tom LaFleur, he thanked the committee, and school staff, for the past five years.
“It has been an honor, and I will forever remain an ambassador to the city of Marlborough,” he said.
Committee members expressed their appreciation for what Dias had done during his tenure, including his work during the COVID-19 pandemic and the bus drivers’ strike in May.
“You were the problem solver,” said committee member Katherine Hennessy.
“You’ve done a lot for our school district,” said Mayor Arthur Vigeant, the committee chairman.
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