News Article - Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

For Immediate Release
Monday, June 22, 1998
Contact:	Jan O'Keefe Feldman

Education Commissioner and Wife Give $15,000 to Boston's Burke High School

Malden - Massachusetts Education Commissioner Frank W. Haydu III announced today that he and his wife, Nancy, are giving to the Jeremiah Burke High School in Boston a gift of $15,000 to support professional development opportunities for Burke High School teachers this summer. In March, when he was first named as the interim Commissioner, Haydu stated that he would give his Commissioner's salary to the public schools. Recently, Haydu and his wife gave a gift of $10,000 to Boston's Timilty Middle School for its arts programs. They have promised that more gifts will be made to schools in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth. In addition to this gift, the couple plan to spend time at Burke High School during the 1998/99 school year, counseling and coaching students on pursuing higher education opportunities. The gift to Burke High School will be used at the discretion of Headmaster Steven Leonard. It may be used to support two-day workshops this summer, and stipends for teachers, according to Leonard. "There is nothing more important than improving student achievement, and the way for that to happen is for teachers to improve their teaching," said Commissioner Haydu. "Quality professional development is key. Burke High School has made great strides in recent years, and Nancy and I are pleased to help the school maintain its positive direction. By this gift of money and time, we hope to encourage others to give their time, money and full support to public schools, as well." Nancy and Frank Haydu have been active in many education-related endeavors during the last fifteen years. They live in Dover, and have two children, Andy and Corey.

Last Updated: June 22, 1998