Rockland School Committee Approves Multi-Year Contract for Next Superintendent Jane Hackett
ROCKLAND - October 14 - The Rockland School Committee unanimously approved a contract for Jane Hackett to serve as Superintendent of Schools beginning July 1, 2026, following eight years of service in which she strengthened the district’s financial systems and guided it through major transitions.
The Full Story
In what Committee Chair Jill Maroney described as a pivotal decision for the district’s future, the School Committee voted unanimously to appoint Jane Hackett as Superintendent of Schools, effective July 1, 2026. The contract was negotiated by the committee chair and approved in open session after school counsel determined no executive session was necessary.
Committee members praised Hackett’s track record during her eight years with the district. The chair outlined her accomplishments, noting that Hackett “has guided us financially in two ways in her eight years of being here. She’s tightened up our own systems internally and increased trust between town and school department.”
Particularly noteworthy was Hackett’s achievement of two consecutive years with no findings by state auditors, which current Superintendent Dr. Alan Cron described as “virtually unheard of.” Maroney emphasized this point, saying, “We’re human, but that’s just unheard of,” when discussing the district’s perfect audit record.
Hackett’s leadership extended beyond financial management. She successfully navigated the district through major structural changes, including the consolidation of three elementary schools into the new Phelps Elementary School. She also managed two rounds of union contract negotiations without attorneys, resulting in “fair and reasonable three-year contracts.”
Member Melissa Mauro-Small stated, “I think we’re all grateful that Jane is willing to continue to lead this district in the direction that it’s been going for quite some time and look forward to working with you in your new role.”
Dr. Cron expressed strong support for Hackett’s appointment: “I cannot tell you how happy I am to know that the committee has supported this and that Jane will be taking over. Jane’s dedication, professionalism, and student-centered approach continued to move our district forward and I look forward to supporting that work in every way possible.”
The meeting began on a somber note with a moment of silence for Richard Wachowski, a school bus driver who served the district for six years and was described as “a beloved employee, colleague, and a friend.”
In other significant business, the committee received the FY 24 audit results, marking the fourth consecutive year with no findings. Hackett explained that the audit covered every fund, grant, and account managed by the school district, from appropriations to student activities. “This is the volume of information that is given to the state every year,” she said, displaying the extensive documentation. The audit verified that all accounting and procurement procedures were followed correctly and that all expenditures matched budgeted amounts.
Hackett credited her business office team, particularly Mary Jo Lipson on accounts payable and Betsy Low on payroll, for the exceptional results. She also acknowledged the work of town hall staff, including the treasurer and town accountant, whose work on behalf of the schools was included in the audit. “When you see that Munis sheet that you get every month, it means that every single dollar that’s in each of those lines is in the right line,” Hackett explained.
Dr. Cron raised concerns about a growing safety issue involving electric bikes and scooters on school property. He reported that these devices, which can travel up to 30 miles per hour, are increasingly being used by students to get to school, creating potential hazards during drop-off and dismissal times.
“I’ve struck up a conversation with the Rockland Police about developing a safety program that we could run on a Saturday,” Dr. Cron said. “Maybe a two-hour program. Maybe we could find someone to give some free helmets and we’ll have some pizza. We’ll make it fun, but I think we need to get proactive about this. I just don’t want anything to happen to anyone.”
Dr. Cron emphasized that the concern stems from safety, not disapproval of the transportation method. He noted that reaction times for drivers encountering electric scooters at full speed are “virtually zero” compared to traditional bicycles. A committee member who works in healthcare added context, noting “we’ve been seeing a lot of traumas this year with that.”
The district is exploring the possibility of requiring safety classes for students who wish to ride electric bikes and scooters to school. The Kiwanis Club was mentioned as a potential sponsor for safety helmets. Currently, electric bikes and scooters are largely unregulated, though Dr. Cron indicated that regulations may be forthcoming.
The committee also approved a new policy providing middle school students with access to information about vocational technical schools. The policy, required by new regulations from the executive office of education, ensures students receive an overview of vocational education opportunities during the school day and includes a school-sponsored field trip to South Shore Vocational Technical School on October 23rd.
Dr. Cron explained that the regulations also require an informational session during the school day and provide opportunities for parent information nights. One committee member detailed the comprehensive communication effort, including emails with permission slips, an informational session for interested students, and a parent night at the high school.
Maroney, a parent of a vocational school graduate, endorsed the initiative: “Not every family was able to get there and go to that open house. I think it is a good thing for the kids.” Mauro-Small added, “For some of us who didn’t grow up here, we may not know that vo-tech is an option. All things aside, I think we all want what’s best for our students.”
Dr. Cron provided an update on MCAS results, which were released earlier in the month. He indicated the administration is working at the school level to analyze the data and will prepare a comprehensive report for the committee. He cautioned about interpreting year-to-year fluctuations and noted challenges in using MCAS data since testing was disrupted during COVID-19 and the graduation requirement was subsequently removed.
“Year to year it can change and fluctuate,” Dr. Cron said. “This year as I scan the data, it’s talking about decreases in science scores at the high school, yet I know for a fact that our science scores last year were outstanding. So you get mixed messages sometimes with the data.” He emphasized that teachers “take it very personally” and that the administration is “unpacking” the results to develop appropriate responses.
The committee approved a home education request for the 2025-2026 school year. Dr. Cron recommended approval, thanking the family for submitting detailed plans. One committee member noted, “Thank you to the parents that are submitting those requests.”
A total of 12 new fundraisers were approved, including events for various student organizations. Notable fundraisers included a powder-puff football game for the Class of 2026, a National Honor Society bake sale during parent conferences, multiple middle school PAC initiatives, a Harlem Wizards basketball game by the high school boosters, a holiday wreath sale by the Travel Club for students planning international tours through 2028, and a GSA candy gram sale for LGBTQIA History Month.
The committee also reviewed completed fundraisers, including the WRPS Festival 2025, which raised $1,900 net profit for scholarships for graduating Rockland High School students.
Why It Matters
The appointment of Jane Hackett as Superintendent ensures continuity of leadership for a district that has achieved exceptional financial accountability and successfully navigated major transitions. Her proven track record of fiscal responsibility—evidenced by four consecutive years of clean audits—means taxpayer dollars will continue to be carefully managed. The addressing of electric bike and scooter safety concerns demonstrates proactive attention to emerging student safety issues, while the vocational education access policy ensures all students are informed about educational pathways that may lead to successful careers. These decisions collectively shape the educational environment and opportunities available to Rockland students and impact how community resources are managed.
Meeting Minutes
Key Motions & Votes
Motion: Accept the minutes for the meeting of September 8th. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 1:22)
Motion: Approve financial reports for August for Rockland High School student activities and Rogers Middle School student activities. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:06)
Motion: Approve monthly reports for September from administrators, guidance, personnel services, and nursing. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 3:12)
Motion: Approve the proposed contract for Jane Hackett for Superintendent of Schools to begin July 1, 2026. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous by roll call. (Timestamp: 3:49)
Motion: Approve 12 new fundraisers from various school organizations. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 9:33)
Motion: Approve home school education requests for the 2025-2026 school year. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 10:06)
Motion: Approve the CTE middle school access policy for vocational technical schools. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 13:09)
Motion: Adjourn the meeting. Outcome: Approved. Vote: Unanimous. (Timestamp: 29:37)
Public Comment
No public comments were made during the audience participation portion of the meeting.
What’s Next
The administration will prepare a comprehensive report on MCAS results for committee review. The district will work with Rockland Police to develop an electric bike and scooter safety program, potentially to be held on a Saturday with helmets and refreshments provided. The middle school will conduct a field trip to South Shore Vocational Technical School on October 23rd as part of the new vocational education access policy. Jane Hackett will continue in her current role until assuming the position of Superintendent on July 1, 2026.