Framingham Public Schools
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Party to honor Smith: Framingham superintendent nears the end By Charlie Breitrose/ Daily News Staff Wednesday, April 30, 2003 FRAMINGHAM -- Superintendent Mark Smith announced his retirement in September, but only recently has it begun to sink in. "When the School Committee hired a new superintendent I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel," Smith said Monday. An early goodbye party also will serve as a reminder to Smith that his seven years in Framingham, and 40 years in education, soon will come to an end. The Framingham Education Foundation will sponsor the May 16 reception, which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Natick. "We are sponsoring the event for him to thank him of his seven years in Framingham," said Sherri Sigel, development coordinator for the Framingham Education Foundation. Organizers have invited people who have worked with Smith, both in the district and outside, to speak. Also that day, the foundation will unveil a fund in Smith's honor, Sigel said, which will celebrate one of his passions in education. "The profits from the event will be used to establish a fund in his name to support poetry and literacy," Sigel said. A humbled Smith said it's a tradition for high ranking officials to get a send-off party. "I'd just as soon get the whole thing over," Smith said. Before he and his wife Judy move into their retirement home in Maine, Smith must deal with some major tasks. "Budget problems continue to be significant -- I'm up to my nose in it," Smith said. "There is a lot to be done, so I can't really think about retirement too much." Framingham may have more cuts ahead, Smith said after looking at the House budget proposal. The Senate has yet to reveal its plan. Smith said the the School Committee's choice for the new head of schools, Chris Martes, gives him comfort the district will be in good hands. "Now, not only do I have a successor, but I also feel they made an excellent choice," Smith said. The reception to honor Smith will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on May 16 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1360 Worcester Road, Natick. Tickets cost . For more information, call Sherri Sigel at the Framingham Education Foundation, 508-424-3423. Donations to the fund in Smith's name may be sent to the Framingham Education Foundation, 14 Vernon St., Framingham, MA 01701. |
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