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Interim Superintendent to Take Active Role in Leading District

Groton-Dunstable Regional School District won't miss a beat this year despite the absence of a permanent superintendent. In fact, the School District is poised to undertake initiatives that have never been tried before and could assist the district in receiving federal education funds and also build a stronger teaching staff with greater vibrancy in the classroom. While this may seem like the bold stroke of a new leader, it's because Groton-Dunstable's new interim superintendent, Tony Bent, is not content to just manage the district but rather lead it. And lead it is something Bent prides himself on.

Bent was a superintendent for 15 years before semi-retirement in 2009 and in the world of leading school districts, 15 years is a lifetime. He has a great sense of educational trends internationally and nationally and yet is grounded in the day-to-day necessities that keep school districts functioning (hiring, transportation, etc.) He currently teaches "leadership" at Simmons College and in the near future will be taking a group of educators to Finland to look at their system of testing. On the eve of opening day of school, he appears relaxed and confident and eager to begin the year. He praises the District's staff for their support and gives them credit for having the buildings and staff ready to handle the district's students.

As interim superintendent who will only be in the District for one year, Bent does not see that as a deterrent in leading a school district. He acknowledges that his fundamental role is ensure stability in the District in absence of a permanent superintendent and to create an environment where the duties of an educational organization continue at a high level. However, Bent also sees his role in a broader scope. In addition to stabilizing the environment, Bent notes he plans to make some improvements or enhancements based on his understanding of what is needed and finally to assist the School Committee in their search for a new superintendent.

One initiative already underway in the school district is the eventual adoption of what is called a "New Educator Evaluation System." This evaluation system is mandated by the state after its acceptance into the "Race to the Top" program which is a subset of the "No Child Left Behind" program. Massachusetts was one of only a handful of states accepted into the program and this acceptance will bring federal education dollars to the state and to local school districts. Participating in the program means that certain requirements must be met and one of those is the new educator evaluation system. Bent says Groton-Dunstable already has a committee studying implementation of the system which he expects will be completed this year.

Bent notes that his predecessor Joe Mastrocola did an outstanding job in stabilizing the school district's financial situation. He said there were some financial issues in the district that needed attention and Mastracola did so. Bent did not give specifics but stated, "Groton-Dunstable School District is in very good financial standing." Bent adds that Mastrocola's work will allow him to focus on his interest and expertise which he described as "Human Capital Development." Akin to building social capital, human capital development focuses on the individual and strengthening individuals through positive reinforcements. Some of the phrases Bent developed to define human capital development include: "Embracing failure and learning from it;" "Saying 'yes' as often as possible;" "Allowing space and time for multiple perspectives;" "Listening to opinion more than giving it;" and "Respecting all constituencies."

On a more pragmatic level, Bent is interested in enhancing the student, teacher relationship through improvements in teacher development. He would like to adopt a new hiring technique in the Groton-Dunstable School District which would better focus on the abilities of a teacher to teach and interact and inspire students. In hiring new teachers for the District, Bent would like one requirement to be that the new candidate demonstrate or deliver a lesson in front of students. Currently, that is not part of the hiring process at Groton-Dunstable. He notes that it is one thing to stabilizing the school district's financial situation. He said there were some financial issues in the district that needed attention and Mastracola did so. Bent did not give specifics but stated, "Groton-Dunstable School District is in very good financial standing." Bent adds that Mastrocola's work will allow him to focus on his interest and expertise which he described as "Human Capital Development." Akin to building social capital, human capital development focuses on the individual and strengthening individuals through positive reinforcements. Some of the phrases Bent developed to define human capital development include: "Embracing failure and learning from it;" "Saying 'yes' as often as possible;" "Allowing space and time for multiple perspectives;" "Listening to opinion more than giving it;" and "Respecting all constituencies."

On a more pragmatic level, Bent is interested in enhancing the student, teacher relationship through improvements in teacher development. He would like to adopt a new hiring technique in the Groton-Dunstable School District which would better focus on the abilities of a teacher to teach and interact and inspire students. In hiring new teachers for the District, Bent would like one requirement to be that the new candidate demonstrate or deliver a lesson in front of students. Currently, that is not part of the hiring process at Groton-Dunstable. He notes that it is one thing to be educated in giving a lesson but quite another to deliver it in front of a class of students. Bent says he has tried this in other school districts and this requirement has led to better selection of teachers which in turn has made a difference in the classroom.

Bent also expects to be helpful to the School Committee in their search for a new superintendent. Having served 18 years in leadership positions in four different school district, Bent says he knows a lot of people in the field. Bent also works for the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) which aids school districts in superintendent searches. "I will respond to whatever the School Committee wants," Bent stated.

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