Warm Salute to Departing Superintendent

Grafton Superintendent of Schools Joseph Connors was saluted Monday, June 20, at his final School Committee meeting.

Connors is retiring July 1 after 10 years of leading the school system.

School Committee chairman Kathleen Halloran noted that Connors served 10 years as superintendent, well beyond the average statewide stay of four years.

“That’s a lot of School Committee meetings,’’ she said.

She said the committee wanted to “celebrate your retirement and where we’ve come as a district.’’

She noted three specific strengths that Connors brought to the district.

Budgetary expertise. While other school districts have experienced significant cuts, “our district managed to perform primarily unscathed.’’

Strategic planning. She said he set a “tone and direction’’ for an expanding school system.

Overseeing building projects. Connors oversaw the consutrction of a new Grafton Elementary School and the ongoing new Grafton High School.

“It’s taken a great deal of vision, time and implementation,’’ she said.

Connors thanked the public and district personnel for their support. “It’s been a privilege,’’ he said.

He noted that being a town resident “raises the stakes.’’