Commissioner Of Education Appoints Representative To Guide Lawrence Public Schools

Dr. Thayer will review and advise Lawrence Public School District officials and administrators on budget, personnel, contracts, collective bargaining, major policy issues and all improvement plans for the district. Dr. Thayer will also directly provide technical assistance and assist school district officials and administrators in their efforts to secure technical assistance in their formulation and implementation of improvement plans.

This appointment is in accordance with the 1998 state Memorandum of Agreement with Lawrence that says that such appointment is being made on behalf of the Board of Education and after consultation with the mayor.

Commissioner Driscoll said, "I am making this appointment at this time because of the continuing unsettling controversy surrounding the allegations of the spending practices of the superintendent and/or consultants hired by the district. It is particularly important during this next few weeks when the alleged misuse of taxpayers money will be addressed."

"My concern is for the needs of the Lawrence Public Schools students, who must be the primary focus, and Dr. Thayer will be in place to assure that their educational needs are our priority," Commissioner Driscoll added.

Dr. Thayer was Superintendent of Lawrence Public Schools from 1979 to 1987. He served as superintendent for Framingham Public Schools from 1987 until his retirement in 1996. He also served as interim superintendent in Concord-Carlisle for the 1998-1999 school year.