Published June 24, 2020

SUPERINTENDENT JANE TREMBLAY was thrilled to see her good friend, fourth-grader Charlie Verdile, during her retirement parade at Lynnfield High School on June 16. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Hundreds of educators and residents honored retiring Superintendent Jane Tremblay’s 34 years of service during a drive-by parade at Lynnfield High School on June 16.

The parade, which was led by Police Chief David Breen, started at Lynnfield Middle School before making the trek down Main Street, up Essex Street and ending at the high school’s front entrance. Participants also created signs that were taped to vehicles or were held by students thanking Tremblay for her dedication to the school system.

Educators and residents also lined up around the high school’s entrance and held signs recognizing Tremblay, who has led Lynnfield Public Schools for the past six years. She watched the parade along with her family under a small tent near the gym.

Teaching and Learning Director Kevin Cyr served as the master of ceremonies before the parade started. He said Tremblay is “so much more than a superintendent.”

“You have been there for all of the ups and downs in this community,” said Cyr. “What I have always respected about you is you have always made the best decisions for our students.”

Cyr noted Tremblay repeatedly emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with constituents over the course of her 34 years working for Lynnfield Public Schools.

“Building relationships involves hard work,” said Cyr. “Relationships do not come easy. It comes with earning trust and respect, and I know that you have the trust and respect of the faculty, the community and the School Committee.”

EDUCATORS, from left, kindergarten teacher Traci Ross, High School Foreign Language Department Head Julie Sgroi and kindergarten paraprofessional Lisa Pasciuto made signs recognizing retiring Superintendent Jane Tremblay during a drive-by parade at LHS on June 16. (Dan Tomasello Photo)

Cyr said Tremblay was given a Boston Bruins Adirondack chair as a retirement gift so she can sit and listen to Pod casts and enjoy reading “without her phone ringing.”

“I want to wish you health, happiness and good wishes for you and your family,” said Cyr. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being you. Your family is very special and is very lucky to have you. We have been lucky to have you for the past 34 years.”

After Cyr concluded his remarks, he was given a round of applause. He thanked Summer Street School second grade teachers Deb Guenard and Lisa Forrest for helping organize the parade.

“Thanks to everyone for coming to wish Jane well,” said Cyr.

In addition to residents, educators and officials attending the parade, Wakefield Assistant Superintendent Kara Mauro, who previously served as the district’s student services director for six years, came out in order to help send her former boss off in style.

“Jane has been such a mentor to me,” said Mauro. “She was a great colleague. I loved my time working with her and I wanted to come back and support her. She will be missed. She has a lot to be proud of what she is leaving behind.”

Reading’s Parker Middle School Principal Richele Shankland, who worked as Lynnfield Middle School’s assistant principal for four years, echoed Mauro’s sentiment.

“Jane knows how to build people up,” said Shankland. “She mentored me and had a huge impact on me both professionally and personally. She taught me so many things about leadership and relationships, and the importance of making decisions that are in the best interest of kids. She is fantastic and one of a kind.”

Tremblay was blown away by the turnout at her retirement parade. She did not find out about it until her husband, Greg, told her the night before.

“I am completely overwhelmed and humbled by the outpouring of love from the faculty and the community today,” Tremblay said. “It means more to me than anyone can really know. Lynnfield is a very special place and it always has been. It will always hold a very special place in my heart.”