Unmasked: Visiting with Holliston’s Newest Officials

While most of us were hunkered down as of March 16, 2020, the work of town government continued uninterrupted as the paid professionals and unpaid officials met via Zoom and even conducted hiring procedures for several positions. Here’s what they have to say about trying to start new jobs during COVID. We asked the same questions of all of them. This is the third installment in the series – Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Susan Kustka.

Dr. Susan Kustka
Superintendent of Schools

When did you start in your job as Interim and then as Superintendent?

I began as Interim Superintendent on July 6, 2020. I was voted to be the permanent superintendent some time in December.

How long have you been in education and have you been a Superintendent elsewhere? when?

This is my 26th year in education. I spent five years as a middle school special educator, 10 years as an elementary educator. Then Director of Curriculum in Hanover for four years and Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Personnel for six years.

What have the biggest challenges been during COVID? Maybe too many to mention!

It has been challenging to enter a district without having time to build/establish trust and relationships but to have to get a reopening plan in place in a few weeks without even knowing what might work best for students during a pandemic. We were operating on trying to get as many kids in school in person each and every day since September 16, 2020, but not knowing what twists and turns the pandemic would take us. It truly has been a rollercoaster ride I will be happy to be off. I have often felt more of a COVID Manager than the Educational Leader I truly am in practice and experience. I truly want what is best for children.

What do you see as opportunities for this district?

This is a good community with good schools, but I think we can be even better. There are great programs and solid resources here in HPS, and I believe we can develop a long-term strategic plan that will guide us as a community and help grow the schools in a positive manner.

What successes have you already enjoyed, i.e. what’s the good news?

I am so proud of the staff and administrative team for being able to keep schools open and teach kids  each and every day, either all in-person, hybrid or full remote but synchronously. Holliston Public Schools offered something very unique in such very uncertain times.

What keeps you awake at night now that things are normalizing – hopefully nothing!

Many things keep me awake at night, but right now it is really about how we can best repair and rebuild from COVID, since so many students are traumatized and have suffered so much during these many months.

What message would you like to send to the community?

I am so proud to be the Superintendent of Holliston Public Schools, and I look forward to the next years to come. Things can only go up from here! Great Schools=Great Community!

Mary Greendale

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