JAY – People from two school systems as well as state education officials surprised Terry Despres with a standing ovation when he walked into LeFleur’s Restaurant on Thursday.
They had gathered to honor Despres, superintendent of the SAD 36 and Winthrop school systems, for his leadership and accomplishments in education, which they say always targeted schoolchildren’s best interests.
Despres, a longtime educator and Maine superintendent, is at the helm of both school districts this year.
Under the one-year pilot collaboration plan, the two school systems are expected to share services and save $131,000 between the two school systems.
Despres is also leading a group of 17 schools to look for ways to save money and to put more money in the classrooms.
Not only was it a recognition dinner but an opportunity for the Winthrop and SAD 36 school boards, educators and town officials to talk.
“Terry is a leader,” SAD 36 board Chairman Ashleigh O’Brien said. “A leader in my mind is someone who shapes the future.”
Winthrop Town Manager Cornell Knight said he has worked with Despres for several years. Despres was previously the Winthrop school superintendent for four years and lives in that town.
“I’ve always enjoyed his creativity, his enjoyment for the job,” Knight said.
He said Despres has found ways to build new schools in the town.
Livermore Administrative Assistant Kurt Schaub said that when Despres came to the SAD 36 job, people were angry and the district budget had just failed.
He told people to have “faith. Give me a year. I promise things with change. They did,” Schaub said.
He said Despres involved the town officials from Livermore and Livermore Falls in the budget process, and the budgets have passed.
“We are very, very lucky to have you here,” Schaub said.
Winthrop School Committee Chairman Ellen O’Brien called Despres a leader in education and said he sees the positives things and finds solutions for kids, and he knows the power of “yes.”
Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron presented an award to Despres on June 27 recognizing him as a distinguished superintendent. It goes to a superintendent who has had a tremendous impact on public education throughout the state of Maine.
He puts children first and knows the needs of the community, Gendron said. He’s creative and knows how to build relationships and trust, and the heart of that is the children, she said.
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