Schools

School Chief Gobron Retiring This Summer

He announced his plans Wednesday night during a meeting of the district's three school committees, and Superintendency Union 3, in the Algonquin Regional High School library.

School Superintendent Dr. Charles Gobron will retire on June 30, ending more than seven years of leading the Northborough-Southborough school district.

Gobron announced his plans Wednesday night during a meeting of the district's three school committees, and Superintendency Union 3, in the Algonquin Regional High School library.

He received a standing ovation after reading his retirement letter, which the four boards accepted with regret.

"When I accepted my first teaching position in 1967, I never imagined that my career in education would span 47 years," Gobron said in the letter, dated Wednesday.

"In June, I will have spent 42 of those years associated with the Northborough-Southborough schools. I consider it a great honor that the school committees have entrusted me with the leadership of the school districts since April 2007.

"I have been fortunate to work in the towns of Northborough and Southborough where elected and appointed officials, parents and community members are invested in public education and have supported high-quality schools. I am pleased to work with educators who continually go the extra mile on behalf of children and are empowered to make decisions that are in the best interest of students."

Public input into the search for Gobron's successor will be sought next month.

The four board chairmen are recommending that, by early January, the Massachusetts Association of School Committees create a survey to be sent community members, and, from Jan. 13 to Jan. 20, organize focus groups of parents, teachers, central office staff and others, regional board member Joan Frank said.

The Massachusetts Association of School Committees will discuss the results with the four boards during a combined meeting on Jan. 29, she said.

"I think it makes sense to hear from community members first, then talk about the process," regional school board Chairman Susan Dargan said.


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