Shrewsbury Superintendent Retires After 29 Years In District, New Leader To Take Helm

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury Public Schools Superintendent Joe Sawyer is retiring after nearly three decades in the district.

Sawyer is leaving after 29 years with Shrewsbury Public Schools, including 17 years as superintendent, as the district prepares for Tiffany Ostrander to take over the role on July 1.

State Rep. Hannah Kane congratulated Sawyer on his retirement, calling him “an incredibly impactful leader and deeply respected educator who centered students in every decision.” Kane said she will miss working with Sawyer and credited him for his work on behalf of Shrewsbury Public Schools and public education across Massachusetts.

Kane also noted that speakers at Sawyer’s retirement party praised his tenure, including members of his family, Sheila, Allie and Josie Sawyer, who shared personal stories about him.

The Shrewsbury School Committee voted unanimously Mar. 18 to enter into contract negotiations with Ostrander, the current principal of Calvin Coolidge School, after what officials described as a comprehensive superintendent search.

The committee said the decision followed months of review, community input and a focus on selecting a leader aligned with the district’s values and student success goals.

“We are confident that Ms. Ostrander brings the leadership skills, experience, integrity, and passion needed to build on our strengths and guide us forward,” School Committee Chair Erin Boucher said in the Mar. 19 announcement.

The committee also thanked the other finalists, including Shrewsbury High School Principal Todd Bazydlo, for taking part in the public search process. Kane said she served on the search committee when Sawyer was hired and also on the search committee that led to Ostrander’s hiring as assistant principal at Floral Street School.

“We are so fortunate to have excellent educators at all levels in SPS and I have no doubt the long tradition of excellence will continue into this next chapter,” Kane said.

See Also:

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