School Officials Thank Martin for Six Years on School Committee

Last Thursday, Easton School Committee chairwoman Jane Martin participated in her last meeting as a member of the board.

Martin, who has been a member of the committee for six years, decided not to run for re-election in Tuesday's town election.

School officials thanked Martin for her hard work for the district during her tenure and wished her the best.

“I suspect most people are not aware of how extensive the role of chair is for the school committee, at least our school committee,” said Caroline O'Neil.

“There are of course those basic obligations, facilitating lots of meetings, co-signing contracts with the superintendent, representing the committee at various events both official and unofficial community-type things," O'Neil said. “Jane has certainly fulfilled all of those roles and done a wonderful job. But, she’s gone far beyond that. I know that everybody here knows this.”

“I think most importantly she’s just been a constant cheerleader for the district, for the teachers, for the kids, really for the whole school system,” O'Neil said. “So, I certainly am going to miss her a great deal.”

Superintendent Dr. Michael Green echoed O'Neil's sentiments.

“I just wanted to thank you publicly for, what people don’t know is the support that you provide for us, for our administrators, for our office and for all the principals and teachers on a daily basis,” said Green. “You’re always available. All we have to do is pick up the phone and that really goes a long way with us so thank you so much for that. Your support has been incredible.”

Martin said that while she will be leaving the committee she still intends to focus on Easton schools.

“As I keep saying to everybody I’m not moving out of town. So I’m still going to be around and I’m still going to be an advocate for the schools and maybe I’ll get to stand up on the floor at Town Meeting and not have to be so diplomatic and can say exactly what I really want to say,” she said with a laugh.

“I’m a firm believer that when one person leaves and another new person comes on board it’s great for a committee and that it’s healthy for a committee. I never feel like anybody is so valuable that their leaving stops progress,” she said.

“It’s been a pleasure. It’s been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I think the work of public education is the highest priority in a community and I think it should be the highest priority this country,” said Martin. "I’m a really firm believer in public education. So I’m confident that that commitment is going to continue. So, thank you very much.”