Governor Swift recognizes 10 schools cited for MCAS improvements

BOSTON - Governor Jane Swift on Tuesday applauded the efforts of the principals and superintendents of 10 Massachusetts schools for their students’ improved performance on the MCAS exams. She also recognized the efforts of William S. Edgerly, chairman of The Foundation for Partnerships, who has presented $10,000 awards to each of the 10 schools which showed the highest percentage gains from 2000 to 2001 on the MCAS exam.

The 10 principals are: William Mahoney, Principal of Medford Vocational Technical High School, overall improvement rate of 9.8%; Mike Rooney, Principal of Gateway Regional High School in Huntington, 9.2% improvement; Michael Fung, Headmaster of Charlestown High School, 8.9% improvement; Marianne Young, Principal of Monument Mountain Regional High School in Great Barrington, 8.3% improvement; David Anderson, Principal of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School in Palmer, 8.0% improvement; Tim Prouty, Principal of Tantasqua Regional Vocational High School in Fiskdale, 7.7% improvement; Matthew Ryan, Principal of Thorndyke Road School in Worcester, 7.42% improvement; Edward O’Malley, Principal of North Brookfield Junior-Senior High School; 7.4% improvement; George Luoto, Principal of the Center for Technical Education at Leominster High School, 7.2% improvement; and Susan Nutting, Principal of Thomas V. Nash Elementary School in Weymouth, 7.0% improvement.

"Bill Edgerly’s generosity and commitment to improving public education offer a wonderful incentive for students and educators to continue working together to achieve excellence," Swift noted. "The schools we are recognizing today have proven that through hard work and dedication, we can help to ensure that our children will have the necessary tools for a successful future."

The $10,000 awards, known as the Edgerly School Leadership Awards, contribute to improving academics by highlighting the achievements of individual schools.

"These 10 schools are shining examples of how MCAS encourages hard work and a focus on learning," said Edgerly.

Massachusetts Education Commissioner David P. Driscoll agreed, and thanked Edgerly for his continued support.

"Having spent a long and successful career in the corporate world, Bill could have long ago stepped back from his many commitments," he said. "Instead, he is at the forefront of the business community in the effort to raise standards in our public schools. We are indeed fortunate to have his continued support."