DeLai Appointed Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration in Reading

Director of Finance and Operations for the Reading School District Mary DeLai recently had her title changed to Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Administration. She obtained her licensure as Assistant Superintendent earlier in the year.

DeLai started working in Reading Public Schools in 2004 as Director of Human Resources and Finance. According to a press release sent out by Superintendent John Doherty, DeLai improved operations and saved the district and town over one million dollars. She was responsible for two Green Repair projects, which replaced windows at the and the roof at the (47 percent of the project was funded by the Massachusetts School Building Authority) and the implementation of Performance Contracting, which reduced energy expenses.

DeLai has already started performing the duties of an Assistant Superintendent, and has been for years.

"My position has been evolving and expanding over the last several years to include increased involvement in district-wide strategic initiatives and in supporting the Superintendent in the day to day district operations," DeLai said. "I have been fortunate to be able to lend support to a number of new initiatives including behavioral health, educator evaluation, emergency planning, and data systems coordination, to name a few. No doubt, my responsibilities will continue to grow and change as the needs of the district evolve to accommodate the ever changing world of public K-12 education in the years to come." 

DeLai said she is pleased with her promotion, proud to serve the Reading Public School District and believes it is a great place to work.

"I am very excited about this promotion. I am just beginning my ninth year here at Reading Public Schools and look forward to many more years here," DeLai said.

She enjoys the challenges of her job and the rapidly changing public K-12 education sector.

"Keeping up with those changes is a challenge," she said. "I also enjoy the fact that this community is so supportive of our schools. People in this community recognize the value of a high quality public education and that is evident. I feel a tremendous amount of support from the community.  Most of all, I enjoy working with a very dedicated staff."

DeLai grew up in Reading and attended the public schools in town. She is an graduate and says she feels "very connected to this community."