Durkin Praised, Thanked at Final School Committee Meeting

It was made clear by those present at the Attleboro School Committee meeting Monday night that outgoing superintendent Pia Durkin will be missed.

School committee members, city officials, educators, and parents all spoke highly of Durkin, who is leaving after seven years in Attleboro to take over as the superintendent in New Bedford. She’ll be replaced by Kenneth Sheehan.

“The challenge is very daunting but I’m sure she’s going to have great success just as she has had in Attleboro,” school committee chair Michael Tyler said.

City Council president Frank Cook noted the progress Attleboro Public Schools made during Durkin’s tenure, including the increased graduation rate, decreased drop-out rate and the more than doubling of students enrolled in Advanced Placement classes.

“The district would certainly not be in the same direction if it wasn’t for you,” added Mayor Kevin Dumas.

It was Durkin’s personal touch, however, that drew parents and educators to the podium to praise her.

Thatcher Elementary School Principal Catherine Zinni spoke of Durkin’s ability to provide “defining moments” to staff and students while resident Cathleen Desimone praised Durkin’s "100 percent" commitment to the children of Attleboro.

Attleboro recreation director Dennis Walsh spoke of the “little things” Durkin did. He told the story of when Durkin left his son a hand-written note congratulating him for a job well done after his first basketball game of the season.

The note read “nice job last night, we’re proud of you."

School Committee chair Michael Tyler also spoke of how well Durkin treated his children.

Additionally, he praised Durkin for her work bettering the district and never accepting failure.

“Failure is something that is not even in Dr. Durkin’s vocabulary,” he said. “It's re-work it, regroup, it's going to happen, make it happen no matter what. I think Attleboro Public Schools have benefited from that demeanor at the top.”

School committee members Frances Zito, William Larson, David Murphy and Chris O'Neil also personally thanked her. The school committee presented her with a plaque.

“This really was a team effort,” she said. “There is no superintendent in the world who would say he or she has done it alone…I have the benefit and the privilege of leading a tremendous team of educators.”