Superintendent Candidate Anthony Azar Wants to 'Inspire' Attleboro
The Attleboro School Committee interviews the first of two finalists for the superintendent post.
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Anthony Azar, school district administrator in New Bedford, answered questions Wednesday from the Attleboro School Committee in the first of two interviews of the superintendent finalists.
Azar said he has worked in the education system for more than 30 years, from teacher to administrator. He is the curriculum administrator in New Bedford, and has worked in South Providence, West Greenwich and Taunton.
The city of Attleboro has been giving the school district the minimum amount of funding required by the state, which creates a burden on the district to maintain level services from year to year. Azar said he would, if selected, look for other ways to keep Attleboro ahead in education.
"We would look at any and all resources within the district," he said. "We would be more competitive and look in different areas for grants."
Azar said he would be vigorous in attempting to get more money from the city government during budget season.
"The timeframe to have the discussion with the city government would be ongoing and day to day," he said. "I strongly believe the flagship of the community is the school system."
Azar said one of the first things he would do in the Attleboro school system would be to get to know the district inside and out during his first months.
"I would get an understanding of the budget," he said. "From what I gather, you have a top-notch businessperson in this district that I would sit down with and go through the budget step by step."
Azar said his life revolves around schools and education. He said he has two children in school in Rehoboth and his wife is a teacher in Taunton, and he said their conversation topics are all about school.
"We spend a lot of time talking about our school day and the things that mean most to us," he said.
Azar said his education career began as a teacher at Bishop McVinney Middle School in South Providence, where he remained for 11 years. He then moved to the East Greenwich/Exeter Junior High School. He also taught and was the assistant principal at James L. Mulcahey Middle School in Taunton.
He said as a high school student, a teacher inspired him, and he wants every student to feel that inspiration from teachers.
"Part of my job would have to be to inspire students," Azar said. "I want to make sure that the administrators that work with me and myself, that we don't get in [teachers'] way. Then they become invested in the process. We want to make sure people know they have a place at the table and they will be listened to."
The school committee will interview finalist Kenneth Sheehan, who is the superintendent in West Warwick, tonight at 7 p.m. Both candidates will tour the district next week.
Laura Dolan
7:48 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
What an amazing candidate!!!
Bear Cat
8:15 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
"Part of my job would have to be to inspire students," Azar said. "I want to make sure that the administrators that work with me and myself, that we don't get in [teachers'] way. Then they become invested in the process. We want to make sure people know they have a place at the table and they will be listened to."
At last, someone who will listen to the teachers and let them do what they are trained to do. What a step in the right direction.
Laura Dolan
8:21 am on Thursday, March 7, 2013
I was part of the search committee, either one of these 2 candidates would be amazing for our schools. We couldn't have better choices in these 2. This is a very exciting time.
Gretchen Robinson
2:14 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Listening it vitally important and too many people think that talking and getting people to listen to what you think are the keys to success. No. As the saying says, "you learn more with your mouth closed than with your mouth open." What you learn is what people want, what motivates/inspires them. And that is key to knowing how to lead.
Jerry Chase
4:56 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Let's reserve judgment until we hear Ken Sheehan.
Laura Dolan
5:13 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
Who is judging? These candidates are both amazing!!! No matter which one is chosen we will be in good hands. (my opinion)
Jonathan Friedman
5:24 pm on Thursday, March 7, 2013
The Ken Sheehan interview has been postponed due to the weather.
Larry Rose
8:27 am on Friday, March 22, 2013
It is unfortunate that the Attleboro School Committee did not recognize the fact that they had the best possible Superintendent in Dr. Pia Durkin.
Her problem was that she was Captain of her own ship and could not be pushed around..
Our loss is New Bedford's gain We did not need a new Superintendent!!!
What we need is a few new School Committee members!!!
Dr. Durkin left the school system in much better shape, than she found it.
Fanny Perez
9:04 am on Friday, May 10, 2013
Mr. Azar is awesome, I was a student at Bishop McVinney Middle School, he really DID inspire all of us at school! He taught us History, spoke about current world events, news, brought in a crew of historical actors to aid in teaching, coordinated trips to Sturbridge Village, he was also our basketball coach!! (We didn't have a school bus/vehicle, and Mr. Azar would drive us to all the games on his personal vehicle and made sure we practiced at the local Boys & Girls Club). He cares about Education.
I can clearly say that this man inspired me to be the successful person I am today.
Thank you Mr. Azar!!
-Fanny Perez, Bishop McVinney, Class 1987
blanca torres
12:19 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013
I was a student of Mr. Azars almost 18 yrs ago. His teachings still inspires me today and I always remember how he took the time to reach every single one of us. Blanca Torres Bishop McVinney
Cathy Carvalho
6:31 pm on Friday, May 10, 2013
Best of luck to you! Hope we cross paths in the future now that we are both in MA. Cathy (Hindle) Carvalho
Erica Guerrero
9:33 pm on Friday, June 14, 2013
As a former student of Mr. Azar from Bishop McVinney, I can say that he inspired all his students to be the best they can be. Choose Mr. Azar and you would be making the best decision for the students of Attleboro!! You won't regret your decision. Good luck Mr. Azar!!! Erica Guerrero (Joseph)
Erica Guerrero
9:34 pm on Friday, June 14, 2013
As a former student of Mr. Azar from Bishop McVinney, I can say that he inspired all his students to be the best they can be. Choose Mr. Azar and you would be making the best decision for the students of Attleboro!! You won't regret your decision. Good luck Mr. Azar!!! Erica Guerrero (Joseph)