As the superintendents of the school districts, as well as the director of the regional educational collaborative, that have been so ably served by state Senator Stan Rosenberg, we want to express our gratitude for his unflagging leadership around and support for public education in Massachusetts.
Since 1986, Rosenberg has served our communities and the entire state, first as a representative for the Hampshire 3rd District, then as our senator since 1991, and the Senate president from 2015 to this year. His 30-year tenure, which ended unfortunately last week, was marked by his inclusive, responsive, and thoughtful approach to public service.
He continually served as a leading voice for high quality and equitable public education, including early childhood education and care, K-12 education and higher education. In recognition of this advocacy, he received several awards, most recently the Valuing Our Children Award from the Children’s Trust Fund.
We especially value and want to thank Rosenberg for his service to public education in this region of the state. So often, educational policies in Massachusetts are made with Boston and environs in mind, and Rosenberg has been a champion for the needs and strengths of our smaller and more rural districts. He has always listened to us, considered our ideas and priorities, and made sure our voices — and the voices of our educators and students — were well represented on Beacon Hill. In so many ways, both recognized and not, Rosenberg has had a major and very positive impact on education for all of our students.
We are indebted to this consummate and compassionate public servant. Thank you, Senator.
William Diehl, Collaborative for Educational Services
Jordana Harper, superintendent, Greenfield public schools
Richard Martin, superintendent, Franklin County Technical School
Michael A. Buoniconti, superintendent, Mohawk Trail Regional School District
Lynn Carey, superintendent, Frontier Regional School District
Michael Sullivan, superintendent, Gill-Montague Regional School District
Jennifer Haggerty, superintendent, Erving School Union 28
Tari Thomas, superintendent, Mahar Regional School District
Ruth Miller, superintendent, Pioneer Valley Regional School District
Andrew Linkenhoker, superintendent, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School
Anne McKenzie, superintendent, Hadley School District
Nicholas Young, superintendent, South Hadley Public Schools
Michael Morris, superintendent, Amherst Pelham Regional School District
John Provost, superintendent, Northampton Public Schools
John Robert, superintendent, Hatfield Public Schools