New school superintendent finalizes contract, says he is ‘in this for the long haul’

By Carol Britton Meyer

School Committee Chair David Twombly introduced new Superintendent of Schools Michael Jette at this week’s school committee meeting, at which time the committee also unanimously approved his contract.

MEET THE NEW BOSS. Michael Jette, current leader of the Litchfield, N.H., school district, will become Hull’s superintendent of schools on July 1.

Jette was selected from among three finalists following lengthy public interviews with the school committee on January 10. The new superintendent’s contract is for three years with a salary of $180,000. He will take over for current Superintendent Judith Kuehn, who will retire on June 30.

“He has more than 30 years of educational experience, and we’re lucky to have him,” Twombly said.

Jette has served as superintendent of the Litchfield, N.H. school district since 2018.

“Small school districts [like Hull] don’t often attract a current superintendent, so we’re very fortunate,” Twombly said, noting the extensive search process and that Jette was chosen from among 37 applicants.

As Jette headed for the podium to make a few remarks at Twombly’s suggestion, he was greeted with a round of applause.

“This has been a wonderful day,” he said. “I appreciate Judy Kuehn introducing me to central office staff today, and it was fabulous to be able to put faces to names.”

Jette has found Hull to be very welcoming. “I’m looking forward to the next step on this journey. I’m in this for the long haul, and looking forward to it,” he said.

“You’re officially onboard now,” Twombly said after the committee approved his contract.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Leap Day, Sadie Hawkns Races, the ‘Nantasket Casanova’ – how Hull has celebrated Feb. 29

By John J. Galluzzo 

February 29 is Sadie Hawkins Day, right?

Wrong. Although it has mistakenly been described as such through the years – for understandable reasons – February 29 is not Sadie Hawkins Day.

First, the basics. Who is, or was, Sadie Hawkins? You’d have to be of a particular vintage to remember when she made her debut in Dogpatch, the hometown of the Lil’ Abner comic strip, in 1937. Described as “the homeliest gal in all them hills,” Mayor Hezkebiah Hawkins’ daughter Sadie had reached 35 years old and had no prospects for marriage. Worried Sadie might remain a spinster all her life, the mayor declared a special Sadie Hawkins Day that would feature a foot race. If Sadie caught any one of the town’s eligible bachelors, they would be married.

It touched off a bit of a revolution. As the event became a regular feature of the Dogpatch calendar for the next 40 years, college campuses across the country set up Sadie Hawkins races. Even small towns like Hull got in on the fun.

Well, maybe Hull did.

As to the date, the traditional celebration took place on November 13, though Lil’ Abner’s creator, Al Capp, set the date firmly as November 26 in his last comic strip on November 5, 1977. What of February 29? Leap Day had been celebrated in Ireland as “Bachelor’s Day” since the 1800s. On that day, women were allowed to ask men to marry them. Yes, allowed. We’ve come a long way, baby.

During World War II, Hull-Nantasket Times editor Herb Gordon, before leaving for military duty, proposed a Sadie Hawkins Day-style race for the community. He predicted that the “Nantasket Casanova,” Johnny Kirraine, would be the biggest target of the day. Kirraine, though he had eyes for a local schoolteacher, was not yet ready to settle down. “Despite his Barrymore manner, genial John is a wily old bird, and the chances are that he will be discreetly in seclusion at some distant point when Sadie Hawkins Day rolls around…” (The Hull-Nantasket Times, February 19, 1942).

Without a Leap Day that year, and apparently not willing to wait for November, Gordon set the date as March 15, 1942. Charley Welch agreed to be the official starter. The single women of the town were to line up at Monument Square and after giving the men of the town two hours to hide, the chase would be on.

Gordon said he put his money on the bachelors. Did the event ever really happen? We may never know. One man, at least, took it seriously.

Two weeks after the planned date for the event, Herb Gordon received a postcard, written by Johnny Kirraine, from Florida.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Museum to host bestselling author, fishing boat Captain Linda Greenlaw

Although the 43rd annual Snow Row takes place next weekend (Saturday, March 2), the world- famous rowing race is not the only large-scale event on the Hull Lifesaving Museum’s winter calendar.

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS. Linda Greenlaw, the only female swordfishing boat captain on the East Coast and a bestselling author, will be featured at two events in Hull on March 9. The Hull Lifesaving Museum is sponsoring a lecture in the afternoon and a private reception in the evening. [Courtesy photo]

In addition to the ongoing exhibits of photographs by Mary Evelyn Sparrow, wife of Captain William Sparrow, keeper of the Point Allerton Lifesaving Station from 1902-1922, and the 27th annual Sea & Sky Art Exhibit (featuring the best work of current local artists), the museum will host bestselling author Linda Greenlaw next month.

Greenlaw, the only female swordfishing boat captain on the East Coast who was featured in “The Perfect Storm” by Sebastian Junger (and in the film based on the book), will discuss her remarkable career on Saturday, March 9 at in the auditorium of the Memorial Middle School.

Greenlaw wrote three best-selling books about life as a commercial fisher: “The Hungry Ocean,” “The Lobster Chronicles,” and “All Fishermen Are Liars.” She now lives on Isle au Haut, Maine, where she captains a lobster boat.

Lifesaving Museum Director of Development Maureen Gillis is excited about the visit to Hull by Greenlaw, who will cap the museum’s recent focus on maritime issues from a woman’s perspective. Tickets for her afternoon talk are $30 per person, and 78 already have been sold, although there is room for more.

Gillis said that as a bonus, the museum will host a private reception with Greenlaw following her presentation. The reception, which is limited to 50 attendees, will be held at the museum and will be catered by Jake’s Seafood Restaurant. Tickets are $100 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the lifesaving museum’s ongoing programs throughout the year.

Tickets for the reception are still available, but Gillis asked that those interested in attending purchase them by March 6 in order to facilitate planning and setup.

For information on, or tickets for, either event, visit www.hulllifesavingmuseum.org or email maureen@hulllifesavingmuseum.org.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Hull High Theatre Arts to present ‘War Brides’ on March 1 & 2

By Victoria Dolan

During the next two weeks, Hull High School Theatre Arts will continue preparing and begin performing its competition piece, “War Brides.”

Prepared for the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild festival, “War Brides” is a 40-minute, one-act show about the experiences of women during wartime. At the competition in March, the Hull actors will present their show alongside other schools from across the state.

Co-directors Emily and Erin O’Donnell are hoping the piece will elicit a powerful performance. Part of the goal in choosing “War Brides” was to “hone in on present-day issues” by showing “strong female leads fighting for their rights – not as women, but as people during a period of war,” explained Emily.

The show features a small cast of seven to focus on authentic performance. Erin emphasized that when getting into character, actors have focused on “toned-down imagery, toned-down body language, toned-down voice,” because “it’s not about being the biggest person in the room, it’s about being one group.”

The show is also advanced on the technical side. For the competition, the crew must set up and take down the entire set in five minutes, and “this is the most complicated set we’ve ever done for festival,” said Erin.

So far, the crew has been one of the greatest successes of the production. Almost 20 students joined, giving them “an opportunity to learn even more about theatre and design,” said Emily.

Other than the female empowerment, emotional appeal, and unique set, Emily thinks “everyone should come and just be there to celebrate the accomplishments the students have put in.”

“War Brides” will be performed at Hull High School on March 1 at 7 p.m., and Marshfield High School on March 2 at 4:30 p.m. Both performances are open to the public, but the material contains mature themes not suitable for all ages. Please email eodonnell2@town.hull.ma.us with any questions.

Victoria Dolan is The Hull Times school correspondent. This column reflects her student viewpoint.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Town Clerk announces voting hours, deadlines March 5 primary election

Hull Town Clerk Lori West this week issued reminders about deadlines and voting hours for the upcoming election.

The presidential primary will be held on March 5 at Hull High School, 180 Main St. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The last day to register to vote (new residents or first-time voters only) or change your political party is Saturday, February 24, until 5 p.m.

The last day to request a Vote by Mail ballot is Tuesday, February 27. A Vote by Mail application can be found on the town clerk’s page on www.town.hull.ma.us.

Sample ballots for each party can be viewed online on the town clerk’s page on www.town.hull.ma.us.

Early voting hours for the March 5 presidential primary election will begin on Saturday, February 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at town hall, 253 Atlantic Ave. Additional early voting hours will be on Monday, February 26 through Thursday, February 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more election information, please visit the town clerk’s page on the town’s website or call the office, 781-925-2000.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Renovated shelter offers ‘lighter and brighter’ space for homeless cats

By Carol Britton Meyer

The newly renovated Hull Seaside Animal Rescue shelter in Kenberma business district offers a modern, open feel and a more comfortable and efficient space for the dozen or so cats that shelter there, as well as the organization’s many volunteers.

GIMMIE SHELTER. Hull Seaside Animal Rescue’s cat shelter in Kenberma recently reopened to the public after a months-long renovation project that upgraded the building’s systems and improved the rooms that house its cats. At left, Shelter Operations Manager Carly Becker holds Sasha, who is currently available for adoption. [Courtesy photos]

“One of the benefits is that the cats don’t feel secluded, with everyone out and about,” new shelter operations manager Carly Becker told The Hull Times. “There’s now a lighter and brighter space for them to socialize.”

HSAR is a non-profit, no-kill organization that rescues and finds homes for needy cats and kittens, many of whom are brought to the shelter after being abandoned and left homeless in South Shore towns or the surrounding area.

“Some strays just need a second chance,” Becker said.

The adoption rate is high, with the average stay for most cats lasting about a week.

“We operate on a smaller scale because we want to keep the environment cage-free,” she said. “If a cat needs to be separated for some reason, there are condos available. Otherwise, they are kept together in the community room.”

More comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere

Renovations – paid for largely from generous donations and a fundraiser – involved replacing the electrical system, upgrading the insulation, opening up a wall to create a larger reception/office area, painting, creating new storage areas, and updating the heating and cooling systems.

The shelter limited its hours during the renovation period, and now has reopened for visits by potential adopters twice a week.

Becker, who has a veterinary technician background, joined the HSAR in August, giving her time to become familiar with the current operation and also to help with renovation planning that included the special care rooms for cats in need of medical care or those with behavioral issues.

Ready for a change of pace, Becker accepted the job in large part because she was drawn to HSAR’s unique approach to the emotional welfare of cats in their care and its free-roaming environment.

Her goals include providing the best care possible to the cats that find shelter there, increasing the volunteer base, and initiating new community events in order to expand support for HSAR. In her free time, Becker is studying for a degree in zoology and spending time with her own pets.

‘Making sure everyone is happy’

Becker’s role involves overseeing cat care and treatment, “helping manage any volunteer concerns, and making sure everyone is happy and healthy on the volunteer and cat side of things,” Becker said. “We are completely volunteer-based, and our 50 volunteers are really the backbone of HSAR. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without them.”

That said, there’s always a need for more volunteers, especially on the weekends. Duties include feeding the cats, cleanup, and helping to socialize them to ensure they have a sense of well-being and satisfaction.

“We welcome new volunteers to help out at the shelter and to offer suggestions and ideas,” Becker said.

HSAR was founded in December 1999 in response to the large number of homeless cats in Hull. It began as an active trap/neuter/release program to address the large homeless cat colonies in the community. As a result, Hull has far fewer feral cats today.

In May 2015, the shelter moved from temporary rental space to its current location at 487 Nantasket Ave. with the help of many volunteers. There, the cats enjoy the cage-free environment while waiting for placement in their forever homes.

For more information about HSAR, adoption hours, the recyclables program that raises funds for the shelter, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit www.hsar.org, email info@hsar.org, or call 781-925-3121.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Board’s hearing on revised Paragon Dunes project continues Wednesday

By Christopher Haraden

The planning board’s review of revised plans to build a multi-story, mixed-use development on the Paragon Boardwalk site will continue on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the board and residents attending the hearing gave mixed reviews to The Procopio Companies’ changes to its proposal for a 47-foot-tall, 132-unit building on the property, which stretches from the miniature golf course south to the now-closed Dalat restaurant at 181 Nantasket Ave. The hearing on Wednesday, February 28 will be at 7 p.m. in the exhibition room at the high school. It also will be broadcast on Hull Community Television.

IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. These renderings of the four-story, 132-unit Paragon Dunes project show how the proposed buildings relate to the existing state comfort station and clocktower building along Nantasket Avenue.

Procopio’s plans for the Paragon Dunes include 9,300 square feet of retail space on the first floor of the building, which would contain 81 one-bedroom units, 44 two-bedrooms, six studios, and one three-bedroom unit, along with 185 parking spaces under the building and along the former railroad bed that runs behind the property.

In response to criticism that the building design was too bulky, the developer has proposed adding a gabled roof in some sections (which would increase the building height by seven feet) and modifications in siding, color, and wall design. It is the third time the project has been revised. Last year, the developer withdrew a request for a variance to build a 75-foot building at 183-197 Nantasket Ave. The Nantasket Beach Overlay District limits building heights to 40 feet.

This time, the developer’s special permit seeks approval of the mixed uses (required under the overlay district bylaw), permission to build the new building as close to the sidewalk as the current structure, and approval for the additional roof height.

In addition to a private pool and two private courtyards, the Paragon Dunes proposal includes publicly accessible open space to comply with the NBOD requirements – two pocket parks facing Nantasket Avenue, as well as an open corridor that connects to the Art Walk that runs behind the site on land owned by the neighboring Horizons condominium complex. The developers have termed this “flex space” that could include a beer garden, food trucks or recreational and entertainment uses.

The project submissions are available for public inspection at town hall, or by clicking here to go to the planning board’s page on the town’s website.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.

Hull Village Association, Habitat for Humanity help couple with home repairs

A Hull Village couple has received badly needed roof repairs to their historic home thanks to the kindness of their neighbors.

Crews started work on the Main Street house, built in 1889 by the grandfather of current owner Dave Nickerson, last week. Hull Village Association President Bob Pahl said he and two other members, Kerry Hnath and Kathleen Wolf, organized the effort to help Nickerson and his wife, Laurie, both native Hullonians.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS. When the Nickersons of Hull Village needed help repairing the roof of their antique Main Street home, the Hull Village Association enlisted the support of its members and of South Shore Habitat for Humanity to fund the work. Crews from Doherty Customs took advantage of last week’s fair weather to do the work. [Photo by Bob Pahl]

Hnath launched a GoFundMe page with a goal of raising a total of $40,000 for repair work to the home at 22 Main St. The new roof was identified as the most immediate need.

“Unfortunately, because of failing health and a fixed income they are no longer able to properly care for their historic home,” she wrote on the GoFundMe page. “Their roof has been leaking for over a year and so badly so that they cannot leave the house when it rains, as they have to empty buckets of water catching the rain so they don’t overflow. The rain has caused the floors to warp and mold to form on walls. The house needs other repairs as well [including a] porch that is close to caving in and trim that’s rotted.”

With $1,880 raised from the website and another $2,200 from direct outreach to neighbors, Pahl and the other HVA members contacted South Shore Habitat for Humanity for assistance through its Critical Home Repair Program. This helps low- to moderate-income seniors reclaim their homes with pride and dignity by focusing on repairs that address health, safety, and code issues.. South Shore Habitat worked with the neighborhood association to provide funding toward the repairs.

Pahl, who is an architect, then contacted Eric Doherty of Doherty Customs, and the contractor began work last week

Pahl said the Hull Village Association was founded in 1992 by residents who wanted to create a sense of community spirit and pride within the neighborhood. Social events, beautification projects, and acts of community kindness have been bringing neighbors together year after year. The organization works diligently to prepare for new and annual events to make it easy for households of all types to get involved, meet new people, and connect with their neighbors.

He added that donations are still being accepted to help the Nickersons with other work that is needed. For more information, visit https://gofund.me/ce019572.

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Shorelines - Good news about your neighbors

Come on down! Will Mahon-Goldstein of Hull was selected as a contestant on The Price is Right game show. Filming took place last week, and we can’t reveal how well he did (mostly because the rules say he can’t tell anyone), the episode is scheduled to air on Tuesday, March 5. The whole town will be watching to see Hull represented on the beloved game show!

• Congratulations to Dr. Beth Ross of Hull, who was unanimously appointed by the board of trustees to become the 14th president of Emmanuel College in Boston. Ross had served as acting president since August.

Board Chair Margaret L. McKenna issued a statement last week announcing the appointment:

“As acting president for the past six months, Dr. Ross has steered a strategic course for the college, building on her 23 years of committed service to Emmanuel, her comprehensive understanding of all facets of institutional operations, and her strong collaborative engagement with students, faculty, and staff. By her energetic leadership, she has proven a superb successor to the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur who have preceded her in the office of the president, including President Emerita Sister Janet Eisner.

“Dr. Ross brings to the presidency a fervent belief in the importance and potential of Emmanuel in its second century. In particular, she has a profound grasp of the opportunities arising from the convergence of Emmanuel’s mission, values, and people with the explosion of growth and opportunity in our immediate Longwood and Fenway neighborhoods and throughout Boston.

“Already during her six months in office, Dr. Ross has succeeded in defining and building broad institutional consensus around a 10-year strategic plan and mobilized action teams tasked with measurably implementing the plan’s key priorities. In addition, she has worked in partnership with colleagues across the college to expand academic programs, internships, research opportunities, career coaching, and other high-value learning experiences.

“With her optimism and creativity, Dr. Beth Ross embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterized Emmanuel from its founding in 1919. She enjoys the full and enthusiastic support of the board as she continues to lead Emmanuel forward in this time of unprecedented possibility.”

Before becoming acting president, Ross was the college’s Dean of Institutional Effectiveness/Chief Data Officer. She holds a doctorate in higher education leadership from Regis College and a master’s degree in higher education administration from Suffolk University.

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute has announced that Hull’s Stephen Fanning, a member of the class of 2024 majoring in computer science and robotics engineering, was named to the university’s Dean’s List for academic excellence for the fall semester.

• Five Hull students have been accepted into the Southeastern Massachusetts School Bandmasters Association (SEMSBA) festivals. On Saturday, Feb. 3, eight students from the Memorial Middle School and two students from Hull High auditioned to be a part of the 2024 Junior and Senior SEMSBA Festivals; five of those students were selected to participate.

Anibelle Chiba, Julia Effinger, Luisa Rizzo, and Aislinn Connors-Duffy were selected for the Junior Festival, while sophomore Victor Healey was chosen for the Senior Festival.

For the auditions, students were responsible for learning a challenging solo with their instrument or voice, and performing a number of musical scales from memory to a single judge. Students received a numerical score and those who earned a high enough rating were invited to participate. 

Seventh-grade student Robin Timins, eighth-grade students Scarlett Arevalo, Colin English, and Patrick Lancaster, as well as high school junior Monica DelGuidice earned respectable scores for their auditions.

“I would like to congratulate each student who auditioned for the Junior and Senior SEMSBA festivals,” said middle school music teacher Andrew St. George. “All of these brave young musicians represented Hull well on the South Shore and should be very proud of their growth and accomplishments.”

“Our performing students in Hull have begun to make a comeback in the classroom and at festivals since COVID,” said Hull High School music teacher Ian Barkon. “We still have a long way to go to return the music program to its pre-COVID days. Continued support and motivation from our administrators and parents is essential to make that happen.”

The 2024 Junior SEMSBA Festival will be held on May 3-4 at Braintree High School. The Senior Festival will be held on March 15-16 at Silver Lake Regional High School in Kingston. 

• Makayla McDonough of Hull has been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Maine for the fall semester. Makayla is a freshman in the School of Nursing. To be included on the Dean’s List, students must have completed 12 or more credits in the semester and have earned a grade-point average of 3.5 or greater.

• Caitlin E. Canavan was named to the Dean’s List at Saint Michael’s College for the fall semester. Students who complete at least 12 credits of classes and achieve a grade-point average of at least 3.5 in a particular semester earn a place on the Dean’s List.

• Do you have a great story that you’ve been waiting to tell? You’re in luck! On Tuesday February 27, Hull FireFly returns! This month’s theme is “A Story I Have Been Waiting to Share” and the event will be held at the Parrot restaurant. Hull FireFly storytelling was created with the mission of welcoming any and all to come, share, listen, and learn first-hand that there is more we share in common than that separates us. Begun in 2015 by Dennis Zaia, a former Hingham schoolteacher and resident of Hull, this event has grown from a small circle to a large following of intrepid spirits willing to tell short stories ranging from deeply personal to laugh-out-loud funny. Some of the previous themes have been family, gratitude, transformation, silver linings, and most embarrassing moments. Visit http://tinyurl.com/pee843rc to secure a Hull FireFly reservation. Dinner will be from 5:30 - 7 p.m. Storytelling begins at 7:15 p.m.

• Emmanuel College in Boston has named Victoria Rosado of Hull to the Dean’s List for the fall semester. To earn a spot on the Dean’s List, Emmanuel students must achieve a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher for a 16-credit semester.

• Western New England University is proud to announce that Jaden Stilphen of Hull has been named to the Dean’s List for the fall semester. Stilphen, who is majoring in criminal justice, is one of more than 700 students to achieve this mark of academic excellence. Students are named to the Dean’s List for achieving a semester grade-point average of 3.30 or higher.

If you have news about Hull residents to share – birthdays, anniversaries, career and education achievements, weddings, births, and other milestones – send your information to us at news@hulltimes.com. If you include a photo, please be sure that everyone in the image is identified. Thank you!

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

A month after hiring, new superintendent’s contract not yet finalized

By Carol Britton Meyer

More than a month after the school committee voted to hire a new superintendent, a final employment agreement has not yet been finalized.

NEW SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL JETTE

Michael Jette, current superintendent of the Litchfield, N.H., school district, was selected from among three finalists following lengthy public interviews with the school committee on January 10.

“Between Mr. Jette’s out-of-country vacation and attorneys on both sides not [being] as available as we would like, there are a few small things that need to be worked out,” Hull superintendent’s office executive secretary and office manager Maggie Ollerhead told The Hull Times in response to an email inquiry. “We do have a verbal agreement in principle between [School Committee Chair] David Twombly and Mr. Jette.”

During the January 22 school committee meeting, Twombly reported that the school committee was moving forward with the hiring of the new superintendent to replace Judith Kuehn, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“We’re still working on [Jette’s] contract and hope to wrap it up by Wednesday [Jan. 24],” Twombly said at that time. “We had a good interview process, with three very strong candidates.”

That night, the school committee entered into executive session following the meeting in preparation for negotiations with Jette and did not reconvene in open session.

The other candidates were Cohasset resident Sarah Shannon and Michael Tempesta. Shannon – who came in a close second in a straw poll that was taken before the final vote and deliberations by the school committee following the interviews – currently serves as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for the Canton Public Schools. She is the former assistant principal of the Duxbury Middle School and former principal of the Gates Intermediate School in Scituate.

Tempesta, who was superintendent of the Claremont and Unity school district (SAU 6) in New Hampshire at the time of the interviews, was terminated by the school board effective Jan. 12 after being awarded a five-year contract extension in Dec. 2021, according to an article published in the Claremont-based Eagle Times.

Jette has 32 years of educational experience, including as former superintendent of the Bedford, N.H., school district. During his interview in January, Jette said he was looking toward the next step in his career and was hoping Hull would be his “last stop,” with the intention of dedicating another 10 years to this work.

Jette also said he thinks “smaller is better” with regard to the size of Hull’s school system, allowing for more opportunity to have face-to-face conversations.

In addition, he finds the implementation of a school consolidation plan, which is underway for the Hull Public Schools, of particular interest.

“This will cause a lot of stress, and I think the easiest way [to address these issues] is to recognize the people behind those emotions, engage with them as to where they are, and to do everything possible to set folks up for success in the new environment,” he said during the interview. “It’s all about relationships and making sure everyone is part of the team.”

Like what you’re reading? Stay informed with a Hull Times subscription by clicking here.

Do you have an opinion on this issue? Click here to write a Letter to the Editor.