Photos by Mark Cullings
May 6, 2019 by Carol Britton Meyer
Supt. of Schools Dorothy Galo will be missed after she retires at the end of the school year.
Those with whom she has worked and interacted with over the years have high praises for her. Here's a sampling:
"I have many memories of course. But one particularly speaks to Dr. Galo's effectiveness. In 1980, soon after she became math director, I went to her with my proposed handout for parents at Open House. She suggested one change. I had written, 'I set high standards for my students.' Dot suggested that I add to that sentence 'and I teach so that students can achieve those high standards.' That sums up my experience with Dot for almost 50 years. She believes students (and teachers and administrators) can learn and that it is our job to make that happen." -- Doug Holley, former Director of Mathematics, K-12. He now substitute teaches part of the year.
"I have worked with Dr. Galo for 11 years and have always been impressed by her thorough understanding of every facet of the Hingham Public Schools. She understands the importance of each person's role in supporting the learning of each student that includes all the support staff, maintenance department, cafeteria services, and bus drivers. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Dr. Galo and I have learned so much from her shared leadership approach." — Tony Keady, East School Principal
"It has been a pleasure to get to know Dr. Galo during my six years on the School Committee. I enjoy hearing her many perspectives on education because she has seen it all and is willing to adapt to new ways. As an example, when Chromebooks were introduced in the Middle School, these tools introduced a new way of teaching and learning. She reflected on how teaching math evolved during her career starting with using a slide rule and then a calculator and later a computer and most recently, a smartphone. She and I worked together to introduce the Chromebooks for School Committee meetings and electronic documentation. This change saved time, paper, and created efficiencies. She was excited to try new methods and for all of us to experience the same Google platform that the Middle School was implementing." -- Liza O'Reilly, School Committee
“Dr. Galo has raised the bar in education, set ambitious goals for our school system, and worked tirelessly to reach or surpass them, and she has been an inspirational example to our students, teachers, administrators, and community. She is truly a hard-working leader and woman ahead of her time. Dot’s dedication won’t end with retirement. She is a lifelong member of the Hingham community and she will continue to participate in organizations such as the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, sharing her expertise and abundant wisdom and helping to shape education for the future.” -- Jamie LaBillois, Asst. Supt. of Schools
"I think Dr Galo’s presence in our school system is directly responsible for its success and the reputation it enjoys today. During my eight years as a member of the School Committee working with Dr Galo, her professionalism, grasp of the field, historical knowledge, and respect for her staff and peers was outstanding. It's impossible to please all the people, all of the time. Her graciousness and class when challenged, not always in a polite manner, was admirable. Her commitment is legendary. She may have a petite shoe size, but hers are big shoes to fill. I thank her and wish her well in retirement." -- Ed Schreier, School Committee
"Dr. Galo's immeasurable impact on our community cannot be overstated. For more than a half century, her single-minded commitment to our schools has never wavered. Her longevity and her record of accomplishment are truly amazing. All of us who share any association with this school district owe her an enormous debt of gratitude." -- Hingham High School Principal Rick Swanson
"It has been such an honor working with Dr. Galo for the past three years. She is smart, intellectual, and a strong woman with a superb work ethic. I have learned so much with her. Thank you, Dr. Galo, for your dedication. Our students and community will be forever grateful to you for your positive contributions to our town. I wish you a fantastic retirement!" Carlos DaSilva, School Committee
"When I was School Committee Chair during the 1980s, Dot supported then-Superintendent Gary Baker's suggestion to form a Hingham Education Foundation [which became a reality and is going strong today]. She also created the gifted and talented program and was head of the math and science departments at the same time." -- Former School Committee Chairman Mark Cullings