School Committee Offers Strong Reviews for Benton

It was Joanne Benton’s turn to receive her grades during Wednesday’s School Committee meeting. According to board members, the Superintendent passed with flying colors.

Members read their evaluations for Benton as a part of the annual review process, and the top school official received stellar reviews.

“The results achieved far exceed the requirements of the job in all areas,” said School Committee Chairman Margaret Kane during the meeting.

Among the successes board members were impressed with were Benton’s improvements in anti-bullying and her efforts to institute an electronic device policy at the high school.

There was a small list of suggested areas of improvement for the Superintendent. Leslee Quick and Quincy Vale said that, when budget allows, they would like to see more options for gifted and talented students in the district. Robert Hayes said he’d like to see an improved look to the district’s website.

Overall, however, board members praised Benton’s hard work in a variety of areas. Among them were professional development, budget work, and working with technology.

“Mrs. Benton has developed a thriving school system in a difficult economy with a limited budget,” said Quick. “What I truly appreciate is her ability to get the job done. She goes after money where there is money to be found.”

Benton deferred credit to her colleagues, and said it is her passion for Wilmington schools that pushes her daily.

“I love my job,” said Benton. “When I get up every morning I have a smile on my face because I know I am coming to Wilmington. The accomplishments you mentioned have little to do with me. They have to do with the incredibly caring, hard working staff that works in Wilmington.”

Also at Wednesday’s meeting, Benton announced that the Massachusetts School Building Authority approved for half of the funds of a window replacement project that is up for vote on the Annual Town Meeting warrant.

After an extensive search, two finalist have emerged in the search for a new principal for Woburn Street School and Wildwood School. The candidates will visit the schools next week as the next step in the process.

“These were, in everybody’s mind, the strongest candidates we had for this position,” said Kane.