Dear Holliston Public Schools Staff, Families, and Community Members,
Today marks Day 1 of my journey as your Superintendent of Schools, and I could not be more honored and excited to officially join the Holliston community. From my very first conversations with the School Committee, staff, and residents, it became abundantly clear that Holliston is a district that fiercely values its students, supports its educators, and prides itself on a deep-rooted sense of community. Coming into a district with such a strong foundation is an incredible privilege, and I am eager to get to work alongside all of you.
As I begin this new chapter, I am thrilled to share that I am not embarking on this journey alone. We are welcoming a dynamic, brand-new central office team this summer, bringing a wealth of expertise and a renewed energy to our district’s leadership. Please join me in welcoming Howie Barber, who has just been hired as our Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations, and Karen Rondon-Bourn, our new Director of Teaching and Learning. Additionally, we are absolutely delighted to welcome a familiar face back to the district; Jess Beattie is returning to Holliston to serve as the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services after one year in Hopkinton. Together with Central Office leaders Dan MacLeod and Jariel Vergne, our Principals Jaime Slaney, Brenda Maurao, Karen Manning, and David List, and a host of other educational leaders, our team is fully committed to supporting our schools, students, and families.
As we look toward the upcoming school year, my immediate priority is to listen and learn. Over the summer and into the fall, I will be launching a listening tour to meet with staff, families, students, and community leaders. I want to hear firsthand what you love about Holliston, what challenges you face, and where you see our greatest opportunities for growth. Every insight you share will help shape our path forward, ensuring that every decision we make, from our budget to our curriculum, is filtered through a single, non-negotiable question: how does this serve the best interests of our students? Our ultimate goal is to ensure every child in Holliston feels safe, valued, and challenged to reach their full potential, which we can only achieve through a transparent partnership with our exceptional staff and families.
While our school hallways may be quiet right now, the work behind the scenes is in full swing. Our new leadership team is already collaborating closely to ensure our buildings, schedules, and staff are fully prepared for a seamless and successful first day of school. I will be sending out details soon regarding formal opportunities for us to connect in person before the school year begins. In the meantime, if you see me out in the schools or around town this summer, please stop and say hello. Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into the Panther family, and I look forward to the work we will accomplish together.
With deep gratitude and excitement,
Dr. J. Kimo Carter, Superintendent
Holliston Public Schools