Jodi O’Mara officially began her first day Monday as acting superintendent of Springfield Public Schools, stepping into the role for the next four months amid leadership changes and ongoing budget challenges.
Her appointment follows the departure of former superintendent Todd Hamilton, who is set to receive the equivalent of one year of his gross salary as part of an agreement that includes dropping his legal claim against the school board. The district has not yet released the exact payout amount.
Focus on Students Amid Budget Challenges
As the district faces budget deficits and possible layoffs, O’Mara said her priority is keeping the focus on students.
“I want us all to remember why we’re here,” O’Mara said. “Sometimes that means we make hard decisions and tough decisions to balance the budget. That’s happening all over the state, all over the nation.”
She said her goal is to finish the school year on a positive note and help the district move forward.
Experienced Leadership
Before taking the interim position, O’Mara served as superintendent of Mapleton School District for 10 years. Since retiring, she has mentored new administrators within Springfield Public Schools.
O’Mara said she looks forward to supporting schools at a districtwide level and helping staff navigate the remainder of the school year while preparing for the next.
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