Fournier said he was too busy to comment, and said the focus of any reporting on the district should be on Haley's appointment.
Palmer Superintendent of Schools Gerald Fournier has announced he is leaving the district after five years.PALMER – Superintendent Gerald A. Fournier is retiring at the end of the school year, after five years in the district.
Fournier on Friday refused to confirm his retirement, saying if he were leaving the School Committee would announce it via a press release. It did.
“The committee wishes to acknowledge Dr. Fournier’s successful leadership throughout his tenure; the seriousness with which he performed his role, and his ability to keep the committee well informed. The committee wishes him a long and healthy retirement,” the release stated.
After the release was issued Friday afternoon, Fournier said he was too busy to comment, and said the focus of any reporting on the district should be on the appointment of Converse Middle School assistant principal Jacqueline A. Haley as principal of Old Mill Pond Elementary School.
“I’m yesterday’s news. She’s today’s news,” Fournier said.
In late 2009, Fournier’s contract was extended by the School Committee until June 30, 2014, but no raises were included because of the district’s grim financial situation. Fournier, of Vernon, Conn., makes approximately $123,000. He started working in the district in January 2006.
The release also included a list of accomplishments, including securing approximately $2.5 million in a green building repairs grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority which has enabled the district to replace roofs, boilers and hot water heaters at the schools.
He also is credited for creating a monthly student of the month recognition program and academic “wall of fame,” as well as planning a “gateway to college” program through Holyoke Community College to provide students at risk of dropping out, and those who have already dropped out, an opportunity for college through dual enrollment.
“Superintendent Fournier has been a solid and outstanding educational leader and always a professional for our school district. At times, unappreciated and sometimes misunderstood, he will be missed,” School Committee James L. St. Amand said.
Haley will start her new position on July 1. Haley, who has been sidelined by a broken ankle, hopes to be back to work next month. Haley said she is excited about the new position, and working with the “great staff” at Old Mill Pond, which is where she started her career in education as a second grade teacher.
FILE – Jacqueline A. Haley, who was named principal of Old Mill Pond Elementary School, poses with students.“I love the enthusiasm of elementary students,” Haley said.
Haley also taught second grade at Old Mill Pond. She spent four years teaching sixth grade at Converse before she was appointed assistant principal in 2007. While she said she has “wonderful memories” of the middle school and will miss the students, she said she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become principal.
“Ms. Haley brings creativity, imagination, energy, enthusiasm, eagerness, confidence, and a thorough knowledge of pedagogy. Her background and many diverse experiences are well suited for her role as principal of the Old Mill Pond School,” Fournier said in a statement.
