New Bedford Public Schools

New Bedford was well represented at the 20th Annual Women's Educational Leadership Network Conference - "Standing in Your Power: Strengthening Your Confidence and Comfort  in the Leadership Role" #WELN2025 . Amid decades of change, women continue to be the backbone of public education, not only as teachers but as principals, superintendents, policymakers, and national leaders shaping the future of learning.

Bringing Irish Mythology to First Grade Today, I had the pleasure of reading to a first-grade class, not just to share in the spirit of St Patrick's day, but to introduce students to the rich mythology of Ireland. As a native of Cork who has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years, I’ve always wondered about the more over-the-top aspects of St. Patrick’s Day. But what I truly love is the joy, inclusivity, and sense of connection that the day fosters—most especially in schools. This is where the Irish myth and legends that enriched my own schooling come in! Many children grow up learning about Greek and Norse mythology, but Ireland’s legends—just as deep, dramatic, and engaging—are often overlooked. I told today’s class the story of The Children of Lir, a haunting and beautiful tale of four siblings transformed into swans by their jealous stepmother, cursed to wander Ireland’s lakes and seas for centuries. I hope that when the students next see swans, their imagination takes flight. We even had time for The King with Donkey’s Ears, the story of a ruler with a secret—long donkey ears he kept hidden under a crown. Only his barber knew the truth, and when the secret finally spilled into the wind, the king learned a simple but powerful lesson: embracing who you are can bring great relief. The latter especially resonated, with one student later reflecting: “Ohhhh… he learned he didn’t have to hide his ears. He could just be himself and finally be happy!” A perfect example of learning in action. As I prepare for a quick trip back to Ireland next month, I promised the class I’d bring them a small souvenir if they’d have me back for another tale—perhaps Setanta, the boy who became Cú Chulainn. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona agus álainn! A great St Patrick's day. Literacy, storytelling, cultural exploration, and the simple but profound lessons hidden in ancient tales—all alive in a first-grade classroom. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! ☘️

Happy International Women’s Day

David Flynn has been appointed Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations by the New Bedford School Committee by unanimous vote on January 24. He is a lifelong resident of greater New Bedford and is a graduate of Bryant University with a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. with a concentration in Finance. “I am excited to be working in New Bedford; my family has so many longstanding connections here. I grew up learning to value the importance of public education from my parents; my father was a school business administrator and my mother was a teacher at John B. DeValles Elementary School. My wife, Kristin, is a New Bedford High School alum. I look forward to advancing the district’s goals.” Superintendent O’Leary stated, “David comes to us with over twenty-eight years of experience having started his career in education as the Accountant and Assistant Treasurer of the Old Rochester Regional School District. He then spent over twenty years as the Business Administrator for the North Attleborough Public Schools, and most recently as the Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations with the Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. We are delighted to have him on the district leadership team.” Mr. Flynn takes over from Interim Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations, Dr. Barry Rabinovitch.

If play is the work of children, then 2024 saw play and recreation come of age in New Bedford. This year, the public school district opened three state-of-the-art playgrounds- a record matching the total number opened in the entire previous decade. As Mayor Jon Mitchell has noted, these outdoor spaces signal to all what matters to New Bedford, and “what matters are our kids!” Space making goes beyond these playgrounds. In just one year, in an area less than 1 square mile, the school district has also changed athletic and community spaces, reopened its pool, a new turf field, and add ons like gardens, fencing and even pickle ball courts. Walk the loop from Liberty Street to Rockdale Avenue, swing around again to Hathaway Boulevard, you’ll encounter millions of dollars in renovated areas that already serve hundreds of students on school days, weekends, mornings, and evenings. In 2024, renovation and installation requires far more thoughtful design, engineering, & accessibility features than tolerated in the past. For example, behind the softball field at Parker & Liberty Streets, the new multi-use turf field is built on a neglected former tennis complex. Now framed by ornamental fencing and newly planted trees, it features a scoreboard, bleachers, safety netting, and an underground drainage system. Shift slightly up Rockdale Ave and note where the Elizabeth Carter Brooks School adds its own modern playground to its new basketball court, unlocking recreation for students and neighbors alike, where the dense neighborhood previously saw a solitary grass field. Drive less than a half mile down Kempton St and you will see at both Carney Academy & Thomas Rodman elementary, locally funded projects that now serve as a model for accessible school playgrounds in the region, featuring: - Advanced play structures like the Netplex, Hemisphere, and O-Zone climbers. - Poured-in-place surfacing, providing a thick, soft, eco-friendly safety surface designed to meet critical fall-height standards. -Wheelchair accessible fixtures and play spaces Unfortunately, media coverage often rushes for the sensational and inaccurate, overlooking the systemic and structural barriers districts tackle. For instance, swimming pools are often overlooked as essential infrastructure long denied to some. However, like New Bedford, Gateway cities like Springfield (Boys and Girls Club) and Brockton (Cosgrove pool) have used federal funding to tackle these disparities. 2024 wraps the first full year of our new high school pool and its real impact: - The high school swim team brought home state records and awards - Water therapy programs supported students with disabilities. - Dozens of local children learned to swim, became certified lifeguards, and enjoyed the pure joy of splashing around. In just one year, transformation has come to an area less than one square mile. These spaces are accessible, learning focused & community-driven. I can’t wait for 2025!

Here is New Bedford Public Schools student, Liliana Bruno, playing Taps at this year’s celebration for Veterans’ Day. #newbedford #veteransday #thankaveteran

We are seeking a dynamic amd experienced leader to join our team and lead our Finance and Operations Department. If you are passionate about K-12 public education and finance and want to be part of a collaborative and creative team please apply before the November 30th deadline. https://lnkd.in/eJ5h8MYg

We’re hiring! 🔊🔊🔊 We have a 3rd grade and a 4th grade vacancy. This is a great opportunity to serve our phenomenal community and join our team! Learn more and apply below ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/exHjSihk (https://lnkd.in/exHjSihk)

“We’re LIVE” – A student operates the control room consoles in New Bedford High School's Roger J. Robitaille TV studios, a state-of-the-art facility providing hands-on experience in television and radio broadcasting. #newbedford

“As study after study shows, the workforce of today and tomorrow is diverse, inclusive, and economic growth requires the undoing of legacy inequities. Given the opportunity, our students and families will lead the state’s growth for decades to come. Massachusetts must keep faith with the school systems doing that work in word, deed, and in the application of education funding in next year’s budget.” https://lnkd.in/e9vbzn2k