ROCKPORT — After a dozen years, Michael Kelley has attended his last meeting as a member of the School Committee.
The School Committee recognized Kelley, who left as chairman, for his years of service at its meeting earlier this month.
“We really felt like it was super important just to let you know how everyone felt about the time you’ve served on this committee and what you’ve done for the students and staff of the Rockport public school and the families,” Superintendent Mark Branco said.
“You kind of ushered me into the district,” said Branco. “You really brought me in and put me on my feet and allowed me to lead the way I’m leading right now. I’ll be forever grateful for your time here.”
Kelley decided not seek re-election, and voters during the annual town election on May 7 elected incumbent Mark Lorenz and newcomer Jessica Delisi, who will both serve three-year terms.
The School Committee will meet Monday, June 3, for its final meeting of the school year and will elect a new chairperson and reorganize, as required, Branco said.
Branco said the position of School Committee chairperson often results in lost family and personal time.
“Some of us get paid to do this work, and it doesn’t mean it’s any less of a calling, but when you don’t get paid for it, it’s a serious calling,” Branco said .
At the meeting, state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, presented Kelley with a citation from the Massachusetts Senate and signed by Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, recognizing him for his years of service.
“I could speak for two hours about Michael Kelley and what he means to this town and what he means to this school district and the kids and the community,” Tarr said . “Michael, it’s an honor to be here tonight and to thank you for your years of service on this School Committee. Through those years, obviously, there have been highs and lows, and the one constant has been your steady commitment to students in Rockport.”
Tarr said that commitment manifested itself in a variety of ways — considering budgets, overseeing curriculum choices and attending to the soundness of the buildings that make up the Rockport School District.
“In so many ways you’ve been the consummate professional in looking out for the best interests of students in this community,” Tarr said. “We all owe you an incredible debt of gratitude.”
Kelley was magnanimous in his response to the accolades shared.
“I guess there’s nothing left but to put me on the ice flow and take me out to sea at this point,” he said. “Thank you all very much. If you knew me well you would probably just have a hint at how mortified I am at this display of affection but I really do appreciate it.”
Tarr joked Kelley’s family had been scripting a list of things to do to fill his time after he stepped down.
“They too have made a sacrifice so that we have the benefit of your energy and your passion and your commitment and your attention to detail,” Tarr said. “I think that’s an important element of your service.”
School Committee member Nichole Altieri said she appreciated the years the two had served together.
“As chair you often need to do the things that others are hesitant to do,” she said. “Michael has set an example and a tone of respect, even in disagreement, among the School Committee members. I often say that the atmosphere of respect for ideas and room for disagreement, as well as listening, are what make our School Committee strong and able to work constructively as a team.”
School Committee member Amy Oaks said the Rockport School Committee was in good hands under Kelley’s leadership.
“In our School Committee chairperson, we have somebody who is knowledgeable, diligent, focused on students, kind, balanced, good humored and compassionate,” Oaks said. “Those attributes are important for every human being but most especially for the human being who has to be in this role.”
Stephen Hagan can be reached at 978-675-2708 or at shagan@northofboston.com.