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For Immediate Release
Friday, June 27, 2014
Contact:JC Considine 781-338-3112

Ashland Superintendent Named Senior Associate Commissioner

MALDEN - Commissioner of Elementary and Secondary Education Mitchell D. Chester today announced the hiring of Ashland Public Schools Superintendent Brooke Clenchy as Senior Associate Commissioner. In this role, Clenchy will manage the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's many elements of learning – including curriculum and instruction – to support district efforts to prepare all students for success after high school. Clenchy, who began her career as a teacher and principal in Alberta, Canada, has led the Ashland Public Schools since 2012. In Ashland, she oversaw an annual operating budget of $27 million for a school district that serves more than 2,500 students and over 400 employees in five schools. Prior to her current assignment, Clenchy served as Superintendent of the Winchendon Public Schools from 2008 to 2012. "What has impressed me most about Brooke's leadership is her ability to set high expectations and skillfully integrate the work of curriculum, assessment, and educator effectiveness across a district's improvement strategies," said Commissioner Chester. "Brooke is a terrific communicator and has a demonstrated track record as a leader who embraces collaborative partnerships with educators, parents, and community stakeholders to support the growth and success of students and teachers alike. I am delighted that Brooke has agreed to join the Department." In Ashland, Clenchy has overseen the implementation of the state's new learning standards, the piloting of a new assessment system – PARCC – aligned to those standards, and the implementation of the state's new educator evaluation system. Clenchy has also devoted considerable attention to ensuring a healthy school climate to provide students with essential socio-emotional supports. The district has successfully put into place Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Response to Intervention (RTI) programs across schools. "I am thrilled at the opportunity to join the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support the critical work of ensuring that all students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college, careers, and life," said Clenchy. "My experiences as a teacher, principal, and superintendent have enriched my professional life and sustained my passion for lifelong learning and education. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and educators of Massachusetts in this new role." Clenchy is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario and Queen's University in Ontario, Canada and Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She served as a teacher, principal, and acting superintendent in school districts located in Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada, before moving to the United States in 2003. From 2003 to 2007, Clenchy was the superintendent of Maine School Administrative District #45 in Washburn, Maine. Clenchy is the current Chair of the Tri-County Superintendents' Roundtable and Vice-Chair of the ACCEPT Collaborative Executive Board. Clenchy will begin at the Department on July 28. She succeeds Bob Bickerton, who retired at the end of April as Senior Associate Commissioner after 26 years at the Department. Clenchy and her husband, Kelly, who is Superintendent of Schools in Littleton, reside in Hudson.



Last Updated: June 27, 2014



 
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