9-Town News Article - September 2005
Greetings Folks!
It is my honor and privilege to serve as your new superintendent of schools.
Since I am new, please allow me to share a bit about myself. My wife, Barbara, and I have been married for fifteen years and have two young children. Our son, Robbie, is nine, and our daughter, Danielle, just turned three. In addition to being a great wife and mother, Barbara is a registered nurse specializing in geriatric care. For those of you who are sports fans, we are big Red Sox and Patriots supporters!
Having my own school-age children, I am keenly aware of the importance of the superintendent’s responsibilities. My life away from work is child-centered; my life at work is student-centered. Just as I am with my own children, I am intensely dedicated to the safety and education of the students of the Mohawk Trail Regional School System. Although I report to school committees, I consider the students to be my boss.
These are certainly exciting times. In addition to the normal hustle and bustle of school activity, the school system is facing a significant challenge from its steadily declining student enrollment. Fewer and fewer students has resulted in fewer and fewer state dollars for the school system, which is the crux of the problem. It is time for creative problem solving- Mohawk Schools 2010.
Mohawk Schools 2010 is a strategic plan which we are implementing to face the growing fiscal challenge. One, we are streamlining expenses across school operations. Two, we are exploring business development of underutilized classroom space to generate new revenues; day care is a possibility. Three, we are developing a contingency plan should efforts one and two prove insufficient; possible school closures must be considered.
Keep in mind that contained within crisis is opportunity. My view is that, as long as we have an intelligent plan and stay focused, the school system will emerge stronger than ever. I have every confidence that we are in the process of doing just that. If you would like to be part of the solution, please contact my assistant, Judy Willis, at 413-625-0192 x10. Within the coming weeks, you will also be able to stay current on this strategic effort by visiting www.mohawkschools.org.
I am thrilled to be a part of the Mohawk team and am looking forward to great things for the students of the Mohawk Trail Regional School System.
Best to you and your families.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Buoniconti
