New Assistant Superintendent Brings Passion for Collaboration

Since Dr. Kristen Rodriguez was appointed the assistant superintendent for the Chelmsford Public School District in July, she's hit the ground running to improve the district.

Before becoming the assistant superintendent, Rodriguez was the curriculum director in Georgetown. Rodriguez said she that her new position grants her more opportunities to work with others.

“In Georgetown, the office was just me for the whole district,” said Rodriguez. “Working in Chelmsford grants me more collaboration, I get to work with more people.”

As the assistant superintendent, Rodriguez’s job comes with multiple responsibilities.

“My job is to help coordinate the professional development, train the staff, figure out the materials and recourses used to teach, what data we have in the district, and how to improve in all areas,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said this year she will focus on professional development.  To help in this, guest speakers have been enlisted to discuss possible areas of improvement.

Some of these guest speakers include Irene Fountas, a pioneer in guided reading, world renowned psychologist Dr. Ross Greene, and Dr. Elizabeth Bowlander, an expert on bullying.

“It’s the rock stars of the education world coming to talk to us directly,” said Rodriguez. “It’s very exciting.”

Rodriguez said these guest speakers would be paid for by state grants. In addition, Rodriguez said that NEASC, an organization that accredits schools, will be stopping by Chelmsford High School this year.

Rodriguez said another goal is to use data teams to find out what works and what does not in a classroom. 

Rodriguez said Chelmsford will be collaborating with Salem State to aid in helping to define their instructual data teams. Rodriguez said that this is also paid for by a state grant.

Rodriguez said she is glad to have the opportunity to work in Chelmsford.

“I’m very grateful and thankful for Chelmsford. Since I started in July, everyone has been nothing but welcoming. I’m tremendously impressed by the professionalism,” said Rodriguez. “I think the school year will be fun, I cannot wait for the kids to start.”