Dedham Middle School gets a Surprise Visitor …

 Well over 900,000 students attend public schools across the State of Massachusetts. Almost 3,000 of them are enrolled in the seven schools right here in Dedham. Not counting our Principals, Administrators, and a host of other personnel, there are over 200 able and enthusiastic teachers working here in Town to teach these boys and girls.

 On Tuesday July 1st, all of this became the responsibility of newly hired Dedham Superintendent of Schools, Mike Welch!

 Back in March, after receiving over 30 applications, interviewing 12 candidates and narrowing down their selection to 3 finalists, the Dedham School Committee voted unanimously to offer the job of Superintendent to Framingham High School Principal, Michael Welch.

 Welch had spent nine years as the Principal of Framingham High (2005-2014) after a five year stint as Principal of Newton South (2000-2005) and a three year position as Vice Principal at Newton North High School (1997-2000).

 School Committee chairperson Joe Heisler, was quoted at the time saying his board was “very impressed by Welch, and his track record of producing results.” Committee member Kevin Coughlin has called Mike Welch “an inspirational human being, with the teachers and children in mind at all times.” Chairperson Jen Barsamian summed it up with “you`ll love him.”

 The father of four holds a Master`s degree in Administrative Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University and has taught middle school science and high school physics in the past.

 In Framingham, Mr. Welch presided over 300 employees and 2,100 students and the Superintendent of that Town, Stacey Scott, said “he is beloved by his colleagues, students, and faculty and that the Town is very proud of the work he has done.”

 Recently, we read an article that stated “there is no longer any such thing in American Professional sports as an offseason.” This opening statement, in a page-long story, led us to realize that the same holds true for our schools. There are constant negotiations, changes in personnel, and endless decisions to be made. When you`re the new guy in Town, overseeing the entire operation, the pressure to always make the right move becomes even greater.

 Since walking through the door at 100 Whiting Ave. and placing himself behind that Superintendents desk, Mike Welch has entertained an endless parade of folks looking to meet with him and handled more phone conversations than you or I would field in months.

 Much like a newly elected mayor or governor, or a recently promoted leader to our troops, you find yourself searching for that perfect balance – somewhere between “hitting the ground running” yet proceeding slowly enough to ensure making the right choices.

 Last week DMS TREK Program Coordinator, Judy Foley, sent a team t-shirt over to the Administration office, along with an invitation to “stop by and check out the ongoing Summer Program.” Principal Debra Gately thought that was a wonderful idea. In spite of his demanding schedule, the new boss rolled up his sleeves one recent morning and paid an unannounced visit to the Middle School, checking in on the highly acclaimed Dedham Public Schools TREK Program.

 We were fortunate to be on hand and accompanied Superintendent Welch and Principal Gately through the school. Mike Welch began his impromptu visit by meeting with Ms. Foley and telling her “how proud he was of the job she was doing and to keep up the good work.”

 Superintendent Welch moved slowly through the hallways, stopping by occupied classrooms to introduce himself to the teachers and students alike. Mr. Welch looked on as the boys and girls worked on their Math, Reading, Creative Writing and Science projects, often crouching down to speak with the students, ask questions and check over their work.

 While in the gym, the new Superintendent “fielded” a soccer ball with a return kick, leaving both sides wanting him “on their team!”

 Near the end of his visit, we asked Mr. Welch how he felt so far, to which he replied “I`m excited, this is a great opportunity and I`m proud to be a part of it.” After returning to meet his pressing schedule, we asked some of the students and teachers “what they thought.”

 Much like the School Committee`s decision, the responses were also unanimous. One incoming sixth grader summed it up perfectly… “he`s awesome!”

Story and Photos by: Joe Kilroy