Introducing Interim Superintendent Binienda

Dear Easthampton Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members,
I look forward to my work with all of you in the Easthampton School District. In the time I have spent in the district, I am impressed with the strong school and community commitment to providing the best education for all Easthampton students. I am impressed with the talent, passion and commitment of the school staff and school and district leadership. I look forward to learning more about the Easthampton District and sharing conversations with all of you.
I share with all of you my educational journey:
I have a Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude, from Fitchburg University in Elementary Education, and Special Education (1976), a Master’s in Education from Fitchburg State IUniversity (1981) and a MA of Education from Harvard Graduate School of Education (1992). The focus of my training at Harvard University was Administration, Planning and Social Policy.
I worked 46 years in the Worcester Public Schools, beginning as a Special Education Teacher in 1976 and rising to Special Education Department Head to Assistant Principal to Principal and to Superintendent of Schools.
I supervised and managed the daily operations of the Worcester Public Schools, the 2nd largest city in MA, for 6 years. I provided a safe learning environment for the 24,000 students and 5000 staff by orienting staff and students to the rules and policies of the Worcester Public Schools. Under my leadership, the Worcester Public Schools was recognized for the best Early College Program in MA, a model Innovative Pathway Program, expansion of Chapter 74 Programs into the comprehensive high schools, the opening of a Dual Language School, and expanded community partnerships. I worked with the administrative team to deliver effective professional development to all Worcester Public School staff. I opened one new elementary school, one high school and the current building of another comprehensive high school. I worked with all building architects, and construction companies as well as with the MSBA (MA School Building Association).
I spent 38 years at South High Community School, which included my roles as an Assistant Principal for 14 years and as Principal for 8 years. As Assistant Principal and Principal, I followed a sound discipline process and reinforced procedures defined by the policy of the WPS to work with students and parents to create a positive learning environment. Under my team’s leadership, South High became a community of educators who set high expectations for all students and provided differentiated learning experiences that allowed all students to achieve their goals. In response to the increasing needs of our student population due to poverty, in partnership with the Family Health Center, I opened the first food pantry in the Worcester Public Schools, and relocated a clothing pantry, Andy’s Attic, to South High. I also was instrumental in setting up a contract with the Optometry Department of the MA College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where South High students received free eye exams and glasses.
I serve the Worcester community by my leadership roles on several community boards and advisories. I have built long-term relationships with these community agencies and worked collaboratively daily with them to meet the needs of Worcester Public Schools families and students. Through these community partners Worcester Public School students and staff have experienced unique opportunities: to name a few-participation in Broadway Shows at Hanover Theater, planting and harvesting at the Community Harvest Project, singing the Messiah with the Worcester Chorus through Music Worcester at Mechanics Hall, representing MA in National Band Performances, author in residence series, STEM internships, National Dance Competitions, playing music at Symphony Hall.
In August 2022, I was appointed as Interim Superintendent of the Quaboag School District.The Quaboag Regional School District consists of an Integrated Preschool, Quaboag Middle /High School, and West Brookfield and Warren Community Elementary Schools. I worked with dedicated district office and school leadership staff, and 92 school staff to provide an effective education to 1,181 students. During the 22-23 school year, the Wonders Early Literacy Program began its first year, an Early College Course with Worcester State University was provided to CNA high school students, and connections with ST Math for the 23-24 school year was finalized for both elementary schools. I worked successfully with the Quaboag School Committee to set the Regional School Budget for the 2023-24 school year.
I have worked with thousands of students and dedicated educators, parents, and community partners. I bring all I have learned to the position of Interim Superintendent of the Easthampton Public Schools. I look forward to continuing my learning with the Easthampton community as we work together for the 2023-24 school year to meet the goals for every student in the Easthampton Public Schools.

Sincerely,
Maureen Binienda
Interim Superintendent