Watertown Superintendent Dede Galdston. Members of the School Committee gave the Superintendent high marks when they met on July 28, but added a few areas where they would like to see more work. Superintendent Yearly Review: A Shining Endorsement
Superintendent Dede Galdston has delivered yet another strong school year at the helm of Watertown Public Schools, according to the positive annual review for the 2024-25 school year from members of the School Committee. Overall, five committee members – out of a total of seven – marked her performance as “Exemplary”, the highest mark possible, with the two others giving her the second highest mark of “Proficient.”
“Dr. Galdston continues to provide the blueprint for what a superintendent should be,” wrote School Committee Vice Chair Lily Rayman-Read in her overall review, with School Committee Chair Kendra Foley adding that, “she is a tireless leader who is dedicated to the continual improvement of the district.”
Some highlights in the review included “Instructional Leadership” – with five marks of “Proficient” and two of “Exemplary” – and “Management and Operations”, which received four “Proficient” and three “Exemplary” marks. Her “Professional Practice” and “Professional Culture” also netted her four “Exemplary” marks each.
Multiple committee members touted the district’s successful implementation of the ParentSquare communication platform.
Committee member Lisa Capoccia wrote that she would like to see clear data on the success of ParentSqaure, and that more could be done to meet and program with, “community organizations (and their clients, customers, or members) that serve or represent student groups with the highest needs.” Still, she also praised many of Galdston’s efforts, adding that, “not highlighted in either Goal document include Superintendent Galdston’s ongoing commitment to offering monthly Coffee with the Superintendent sessions, her collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown, and her visibility at community events both in and outside WPS.”
Galdston also received high marks for “Finance, Operation, and Human Resources”, with committee members Mark Sideris (who is also City Council President) and Rayman-Read both agreeing that she exceeded expectations.
Rayman-Read mentioned Director of Finance and Operations Lisa Gibbons and Director of Human Resources Amanda Owens – both brought on by Galdston – who she noted had done, “incredibly robust work.” Sideris similarly wrote that, “there has been a very robust push to make sure we are hiring a diverse staff to align with our diverse student population.”
“Student Learning” also netted positive marks from everyone, with Amy Donohue bringing up the successful K-5 literacy program Wit and Wisdom.
