School Committee: Superintendent Shines Despite Circumstances

Reading’s superintendent of schools has done a great job of running the district, according to the Reading Public Schools Committee.

The committee delivered its evaluation of Superintendent John Doherty’s performance for the 2011 school year Monday, and awarded him high marks.

On a scale of 1-4, Doherty’s lowest composite score stood at 3.5, with his performance in several areas earning a perfect four.

“I personally am very impressed with Dr. Doherty’s leadership,” said school committee member Lisa Gibbs. ”His passion touches everything that he does. [He is] clearly a leader that people want to follow and collaborate with.”

Other committee members offered similarly glowing reviews, such as Hal Croft, who referred to Doherty as a “teacher’s superintendent.”

“He’s a teacher first,” Croft said.

Other committee members credited Doherty for always being open to comments—even criticism—and understanding that he cannot run the school district alone; he needs a strong team around him.

Committee member Chris Caruso noted that Doherty’s style served the district particularly well during its recent round of collective bargaining negotiations.

“When Dr. Doherty spoke, they [the union representatives] listened,” Caruso said.

Committee chairman Charles Robinson noted that Doherty ascended to his position during a time of heavy uncertainty. Not only did he have to rise in the wake of the untimely death of his predecessor, but he also took over the reigns during a difficult budget environment.

“I got to tell you, you haven’t let me down,” Robinson said.