Danvers Schools Wins State Award, $3K Student Scholarship

DANVERS, MA — Danvers Public Schools was awarded the 2026 Donald D. Johnson Operations & Cost Efficiency Award from the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials.

Pamela Crum, the district's business manager, accepted the award at the association's 60th Annual Institute in Falmouth.

The award recognizes a district that implemented a program, activity, or initiative that increased efficiency and saved funding that could be applied more directly to educational priorities.

Named for Don Johnson, a past president and former executive director of MASBO, the award is sponsored by VOYA Financial and includes a $3,000 scholarship for a student in the winning district.

Crum was nominated by Danvers Public Schools Superintendent Daniel Bauer and Director of Student Services Christina Ryan.

In nomination materials, they described her as "the single most valuable member of the district — and also the most humble" and credited her with making "a significant impact on our district through her strategic leadership, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to students and families."

Crum played a key leadership role when the district recently faced a $2 million budget deficit. She worked collaboratively to identify sustainable solutions, reduce reliance on outside vendors and preserve resources for student learning.

She is also credited with strengthening district systems and processes that support educational programming and fiscal responsibility, including improved monitoring of out-of-district placements and preschool tuition payments.

"Pamela brings a solutions-oriented mindset, shares effective tools and processes, and supports colleagues in building their own capacity," Ryan said.

"Pamela models excellence for colleagues — sharing knowledge, mentoring others, and strengthening the broader MASBO community," MASBO Executive Director Margaret Driscoll said. "The result is a lasting impact that reflects both operational efficiency and a deep commitment to students and families."

Crum has served in Danvers Public Schools since 2012, including the past four years as business manager.

A Danvers resident, she earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and chemistry from Amherst College and a master’s degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

“I am honored to have been nominated by my colleagues on the Danvers Public Schools administrative team," she said. "We work hard together every day to strengthen our internal systems and problem-solve creatively.

"In the end, this improved efficiency allows us to better serve our students, our staff, and the broader Danvers community."