Marlborough Superintendent Earns Statewide Education Leadership Award

MARLBOROUGH, MA — The superintendent of Marlborough Public Schools was recognized by his peers for his contributions to public education across Massachusetts.

Dr. DeFalco, who has served as superintendent of Marlborough Public Schools since January 2026, following six months as the district's interim superintendent, was presented with the 2026 Dr. Christos Daoulas Award by the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.

Before coming to Marlborough, he served for seven years as superintendent of the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District and previously worked as deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for New Bedford Public Schools. He also served as principal at several public schools in Worcester, Somerville and Southbridge.

The award was presented by Dr. Mary Bourque, the executive director of MASS, during a ceremony last week at the Paul J. Andrews Executive Institute in Mashpee. She commended Dr. DeFalco's "commitment to creating strong, inclusive school cultures where every student and family feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed."

Dr. DeFalco, who holds degrees from Suffolk University, Worcester State University and Johnson & Wales University, has been active in MASS for the past 13 years. The organization describes him as a "driving force" in the association's Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative, as well as a passionate advocate for public education at the state level, among many other things.

“Jason navigates complex challenges with wisdom and compassion,” said Dr. Bourque. “Through humility, strong core values centered on belonging, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that education remains the great equalizer, he exemplifies the very best of the superintendent profession.”

The Dr. Christos Daoulas Award is named in honor of the longtime superintendent of Dracut Public Schools, who led the district from 1962 to 2000 and was remembered as a champion for students and families in the community.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. DeFalco. “It is a true privilege to serve the students of Massachusetts alongside such dedicated educators and inspiring leaders. Our students are our ‘why,’ and we are the ‘how.’ Together, let us continue to encourage, support, and empower one another as we work to turn the dreams and aspirations of our young people into reality.”

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