Reading Public Schools Superintendent Honored with Schettini Award

STONEHAM, MA – Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan and Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc. honored Reading Public Schools' superintendent Friday with an award named for his late predecessor.

The annual Superintendents’ and Chiefs’ Breakfast. was held at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham, gathering brings staff from the District Attorney’s office, educators, law enforcement and community leaders to collaborate on students’ safety, juvenile justice and crime prevention strategies.

Dr. John F. Doherty, Superintendent of Reading Public Schools, was honored with the Dr. Patrick A. Schettini Jr. Award.

“The partnership formed between educators, law enforcement officials and fire chiefs presents a unique opportunity for the exchange of ideas and information amongst community leaders to find new and innovative ways to keep students safe each year,” said District Attorney Ryan. “In Middlesex County we are incredibly fortunate to have superintendents and law enforcement officials who are dedicated to addressing the changing needs of our young people and the challenges that they may encounter this school year.”

At the Superintendents’ and Chiefs’ Breakfast each fall, the Dr. Patrick A. Schettini, Jr. Award is presented to a school superintendent, fire or police chief for their commitment to the health and safety of students in their communities.

The award was created in 2010 to honor Dr. Schettini’s legacy as an outstanding educator and leader. Dr. Schettini, the Reading Public Schools superintendent, was a highly esteemed member of the Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc. Board of Directors and was actively involved in the organization’s prevention work. After Dr. Schettini’s death in 2009, the Middlesex Partnerships for Youth Board of Directors created an award in his memory. The award recognizes Dr. Schettini’s leadership and compassion and honors a professional who keeps the health and safety of students at the center of their influence, while dealing with the complexities of the 21st century.

Doherty, who served as an Assistant Superintendent in the Reading Public Schools with Dr. Schettini, was appointed as Superintendent of Schools following Dr. Schettini’s death. At today’s breakfast, Dr. Doherty was honored for his student-centered approach to learning and his innovative efforts to promote social and emotional learning. His array of social emotional interventions and supports systems have helped Reading students to be successful academically and personally.

“John’s commitment to the health and safety of his students is a model for all leaders in Middlesex County,” said Margie Daniels, Executive Director of Middlesex Partnerships for Youth. “Every decision he makes as a superintendent is grounded in what is best for students. His close working relationship with Dr. Schettini makes today’s award especially meaningful.”

Image and information used in this article couresty DA Marian Ryan