Hogan said the new superintendent, Todd Gazda, is well prepared to take over administration of the school district.
LUDLOW - School officials expressed their appreciation to Interim School Superintendent Donna Hogan for her work in stepping in and getting the school district through the budget season.
Hogan’s last meeting was June 26. Permanent superintendent Todd Gazda takes over this week.
Hogan, the retired principal of Baird Middle School, stepped in as interim superintendent last November after Kenneth Grew resigned because of health reasons.
Curriculum Director Diana Roy said Hogan first came to work for the school district in 1973 and served as a teacher and principal before serving as interim school superintendent.
“I appreciate what she has done for the district,” Roy said. “She has put in many long hours.” She said Hogan solved many problems in the central office and always said that if you can’t laugh it is not worth coming to work every day.
“I am thankful, and sad that she is leaving,” she said.
School Committee member James Harrington said Hogan was his wife’s favorite teacher. He said Hogan “bailed us out” when we were without a superintendent. He praised Hogan for her strong leadership.
“We will be forever in your debt,” School Committee member Michael Kelliher said. He said that both Hogan and the school district’s new administrative team “all stepped up.”
“Good luck in your second retirement,” Harrington said.
Hogan said, “I always enjoyed working here. I had fun and worked hard.”
She said Ludlow has always been her second home. Hogan said she considered herself a teacher first and a principal. She agreed to serve as interim principal because “I knew we needed to keep the lights on and the buses running.”
“Towns are judged by the quality of their schools,” Hogan said.
Hogan said the new superintendent, Todd Gazda, has been attending many administrative meetings and is well prepared to take over as superintendent.
“The schools are a reflection of the town,” Hogan said. “My heart is here. I will be around.”