New Supt. of Schools Dr. Margaret Adams: Creating a community of ‘hope and joy’

August 29, 2022 By Carol Britton Meyer

Supt. of Schools Dr. Margaret Adams is looking forward to her first year in this new role after being appointed to succeed Interim Superintendent Dr. Gary Maestas for the 2022-2023 school year last January.

"I've learned so much about the Hingham Public Schools and the town since I [accepted the position]," Adams told the Hingham Anchor. "One thing that is repeated often is the deep commitment to the HPS community of the staff, teachers, and administrators, who really care about our young people. I feel so honored [to be part of the HPS leadership team]."

Adams served as Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Melrose Public Schools before being appointed as HPS Superintendent.  She worked for the MPS for the past 10 years, eight as the Assistant Superintendent and two as the Director for Curriculum. She also served as Director of Literacy for Malden Public Schools and Department Head for Bilingual/ESL (English as a Second Language) Services for Brockton Public Schools.

Adams recently presented an "entry plan" to the School Committee focusing on developing an outline of activities to support her transition into this new role.
Key points include governance, community, communications, teaching and learning, and culture.

The entry plan reflects Adams' core values and beliefs about education, including the "collective responsibility as educators to ensure the success of every single student in our care," among others.

The report, including conclusions and recommendations resulting from the interpretation of information gathered during the entry plan process, will be shared with the School Committee next January.

Creating a path forward
The recently-completed strategic plan for the schools is another key factor. "This will create a path forward, with clear objectives to work on in striving to meet the needs of all of our students," Adams said.

There's a strong desire for the HPS to be successful in finding that path forward, "especially after the pandemic, during which administrators and teachers often felt as if they were putting out fires and having to respond quickly [to the ever-changing circumstances surrounding COVID], which didn't allow for the maintenance of some of the things we normally do to make the schools work well," Adams said. "We weren't in a mode of improvement over the last two years for those reasons. The focus now is on helping our students to be ready to meet the challenges of the 21st-century world -- which is changing so quickly for us and them -- and to become leaders who care deeply for their community."

Adams is also committed to ensuring that everyone who is part of the HPS community feels included, creating a community of hope and joy. "We want to nurture that sense among our students and their families, with a focus on achieving our goals," she said. "I'm hoping we can continue to move forward in the spirit of continuous improvement."

A lot of work lies ahead, including winning voter support for a new Foster Elementary School at the Nov. 1 Special Town Meeting and at the ballot box Nov. 8 and if successful, moving the project to completion, among many other goals. "We are excited to have Dr. Adams leading the district," School Committee Chair Michelle Ayer told the Hingham Anchor.

When the School Committee asked the community what quality they desired most in the next superintendent during the search process, the resounding answer was “a student-focused leader," according to Ayer. "Dr. Adams has proven herself to be exactly the thoughtful and student-centric leader we set out to find."

'Innovative, equitable learning environment'
Even before her official start date of July 1, Dr. Adams exemplified her commitment to the district and students by engaging with them, their families, leadership, faculty, and staff; reviewing years of data on curriculum, budgets, equity, and facilities; hiring multiple leadership positions to support and mentor educators and staff; and joining the Strategic Plan Committee to develop the three-year plan "to support an innovative, equitable learning environment for our students," Ayer said.

Dr. Adams' early engagement resulted in "a seamless transition into the role of superintendent," according to Ayer. As examples, she has implemented or proposed meaningful changes to enhance learning; improve communication; support leadership; strengthen professional development opportunities for educators and staff; and develop a "clear, consistent" financial plan to support the financial needs of the HPS district.

"We realize that the last three school years were extraordinarily challenging for students, staff, and families,  and yet we are already witnessing the positive impact that Dr. Adams' commitment, intellect, engagement, and compassion will have on the Hingham Public Schools," Ayer said. "So while we too wish summer could last just a little bit longer, we are eager to welcomestudents and staff back to the buildings so that Dr. Adams can focus on her most important charge: our students."

Adams, a resident of the South Shore, is enthusiastic about continuing her work throughout the new school year and beyond and is looking forward to "an easier commute!"

Core values
She appreciates the "warmth and kindness that people have extended to me [in my new role]," she said. "It's a real testament to the values of the Hingham community. The offers of help have been extraordinary. The people of Hingham care about and support one another and want to do what's best collectively for the community, and I'm grateful to be part of a community that has these core values."

The pandemic underscored that "no one can accomplish anything on their own. Anything I have ever accomplished has always been as part of a [collaborative] effort with others," Adams explained. "It's our collective responsibility to educate our young people successfully by developing strong relationships among our students, their families, and staff, where we can trust each other, grow, and learn together."

Adams noted that there is a deep desire among the HPS and overall community with this change of superintendents "for me to be successful, which will contribute greatly to the overall success of the school district. Collaboration and communication are required so that we are inclusive and make space for every voice to be heard," she said.

In the meantime, the current focus is on preparing the schools for their reopening on Sept. 6 for grades 1 through 12 and Sept. 8 for kindergarteners.

Adams' varied background will serve her well as the new HPS Superintendent as she enters her 28th year in the education field -- from serving as a second- and fourth-grade elementary teacher and elementary principal to curriculum director and most recently, assistant superintendent for the Melrose Public Schools.

Adams recalls "falling in love with teaching" as a water safety instructor helping children learn how to swim. "This was one of the best teaching experiences I had," she said.

Among the qualities Adams believes are important in the role of superintendent are a willingness and ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, to support and inspire, and to be organized, as well as having a sense of humor. "I'm working hard to be all of these things!" she said.

In her "spare" time, Adams -- the parent of two teenagers -- enjoys reading non-fiction. "Between work and parenting, my life is pretty full," she said.

For more details about Adams' entry plan, visit https://www.hinghamanchor.com/supt-of-schools-outlines-entry-plan-to-support-transition-into-her-new-role/.