School Committee Meeting: Spinelli Named New Superintendent

Angela Forster Davis, co-chairman of the search group to find a new superintendent for opened the February 28 meeting with a rapturous review of the credentials and credo of Debra L. Spinelli to the Foxborough school committee.

“We will not settle for adequate or moderate leadership,” Davis said.

After combing through 26 applications Davis added, “We are confident in only one candidate, with Dr. Martes leaving there are big shoes to fill.”

With that Spinelli was introduced to a warm and sincere applause from the audience. Spinelli faced a series of questions from the school committee, which she answered with poise and at times humor. When asked where she planned on being in five years Spinelli pointed to Dr. Martes chair, evoking laughter from both the committee and the audience; reminiscent of someone acutely aware of the sensibilities of both her colleagues and the district.

Spinelli has lived in Foxborough for 31 years, moving here not because of friends or family but because of the pull of a special community. Both of Spinelli’s children attended Foxborough schools; one possesses a doctorate in physical therapy, the other on track to graduate from law school graduation this spring. There is no doubt that Spinelli knows children can get a great education in Foxborough. It is clear that Spinelli plans to build upon that foundation with her own brand of leadership.

“This is where I’ve felt that I’ve belonged,” Spinelli said.

Spinelli spoke of 21st century skills, of learning being a social being, one of collaboration. She also touched on creativity and using technology to acquire 21st century skills.

She mentioned that everyone in the district plays an important part in the learning process, alluding to a friendly hello from a bus driver potentially being a great start to a child’s day at school.

When pressed about the impending budget issues facing the school Spinelli again referred to creativity, “The less money you have the more creative you have to get.”

In closing Dr. Martes assured the public that Spinelli did not have the position sewn up, he spoke briefly about the six interviews conducted, two of whom were current superintendents in other districts, he wanted the public to know that he also felt she was the best candidate; decided upon after a thoughtful and thorough process.

“She conveyed incredible likeability, incredible sincerity, there were things she demonstrated in her comments that blew away the competition.”

“We’re ready for great to greater; that’s the new mantra,” Spinelli said in closing.

Without a dissenting opinion on the committee and seemingly in the audience at the public meeting, Debra L. Spinelli was unanimously voted 5-0 after her interview to be offered the position of superintendent pending negotiation of a contract. With that the meeting was adjourned and Spinelli was greeted by the crowd.

* Spinelli holds a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from Northeastern University; a Master of Arts degree in moderate special needs from Regis College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in educational leadership from Bridgewater State College.