Staying Alive
The Column Blog carried an item several weeks ago which enlightened readers on the Lowell Public Schools effort to hire a director of information, communication and technology services, as it strives to improve the technology available to students and faculty in the schools.
According to the job posting the gig pays $85,000 to $95,000 annually.
“The director will manage and direct the administrative and educational aspects of technology district-wide in support of student achievement and staff productivity,” the description reads.
About 30 applications were received, but one in particular has attraced a lot of attention — that of Anne Sheehy — because School Committee member Dave Conway has been lobbying on her behalf — a charge that Conway vehemently denies.
In the days since School Department brass have winnowed the list of applicants to 11, nine of which were interviewed as two withdrew. In the last several days, there’s been more culling, as the field now stands at five candidates.
Sheehy — the daughter of former city manager Paul Sheehy, who currently works as a kindergarten teacher at the Moody School — is one of the five. Sheehy has worked for the district since 1994 as a classroom teacher, library media specialist and district-wide instructional media specialist. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies from UMass Amherst, a Master’s degree in instructional technology from Salem State University and is currently studying to earn her doctorate in leadership in schooling from UMass Lowell. She is also certified as an instructional technology specialist and supervisor/director by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Conway, the former Lowell High School housemaster, has been very complimentary of Sheehy, with whom he has a “friendly” relationship. He was also complimentary of Sheehy’s mother, Molly Sheehy, the dean of Middlesex Community College’s downtown campus, for her support of partnerships between MCC and the school department. But Conway emphasized Sheehy has received no help from him.
The Column Blog has also learned of the existence of another in-house candidate, Barbara Fauvel, a computer teacher at the Daley School.
Whomever is hired will answer directly to Assistant Superintendent Jay Lang. When reached yesterday, Lang declined to comment. The ultimate hiring also must be blessed by School Superintendent Jean Franco and the two other assistant superintendents, Anne Murphy and Claire Abrams.
Stay tuned, as there could be more culling Friday.
Follow Column Blog author Christopher Scott on Twitter @cscottlowellsun.
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June 14, 2012 at 7:12 pm
My sources tell me that Ann Sheehy is highly respected and well liked- has received over twenty five recommendations from district and school personnel and is well liked by many teachers and principals. Who is more invested in our schools than lowellians?
June 19, 2012 at 10:08 pm
Worked with her, she is under qualified. Political hack’s girlfriend.