Lexington Public Schools Superintendent Announces Retirement

LEXINGTON, MA -- Dr. Mary A. Czajkowski told the Lexington School Committee she plans to retire as superintendent during the body's regularly-scheduled meeting Tuesday night. Czajkowski had been on the job for just two years, following a four-year stay as superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools and a nine-year stay as superintendent in Agawam.

Despite her short stay, Czajkowski received high praise from parents, students and teachers. On facebook Tuesday night, School Committee member Jessie Steigerwald said Czajkowski "helped bring the focus here back to the joys of teaching and learning."

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Czajkowski, who was not immediately available for comment Wednesday, helped shepherd a plan to rebuild the Hastings Elementary School through town meeting. She headed the schools during a period when the town increased awareness of the high stress students faced in the academically competitive school district.

Czajkowski is expected to step down at the end of the school year. The school committee will appoint a search committee to begin finding her replacement.

Photo by Lexington Public Schools.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).