EASTHAMPTON — For the first time since her hiring, future Easthampton Superintendent Michelle Balch was introduced publicly by the School Committee during its Feb. 11 meeting.
Interim Superintendent Maureen Binienda introduced Balch who will be officially taking over the role for the district on July 1. She will be present in the district in June to work alongside Binienda leading up to when the transition becomes official.
“Everybody’s excited that she’s coming here, and we are already collaborating, sending documents back and forth and having conversations weekly, a couple times a week sometimes, so that she is all set to come here when it is time to come,” Binienda said.
Balch was voted unanimously to become the district’s new superintendent in December and has spent almost all of the last 20 years working for the Springfield Public School District. Her most recent role for Springfield was as the chief instructional officer.
“I’m honored to be selected as the next superintendent of Easthampton Public Schools,” said Balch.
Balch expressed gratitude to the committee and district for the interview process and putting their trust and partnership in her as the next superintendent.
“Our schools are really the heart of the community, and I want you to know that I’m committed to not only academic excellence but equity and inclusion in our schools,” Balch said. “Making sure that every student feels seen, heard, and really truly motivated to be successful and to thrive not only in our classrooms but outside of our classrooms because our job doesn’t end when they graduate, we want to make sure that they have everything they need to choose whatever their amazing future is going to be.”
Binienda also introduced new Director of Business Services Julia Saari-Franks to the public. Saari-Franks began serving the district the following day and has experience in budgeting and business services in Springfield, West Springfield and most recently, Quabbin.
Saari-Franks said this is her 20th year working in education and started as a classroom teacher. She added she keeps students and teaching at the forefront of decision making in order to ensure students get what they need and staffs are supported.
“I’m really excited to come here and join your community and I’m excited to work with all of you,” said Saari-Franks.
Saari-Franks added as a former high school social studies teacher her career path into political science and education was formed through her experience with her high school’s We The People team. She added she was excited to be able to witness firsthand the great success the Easthampton program has had over the years.
“Really incredible inspiring women leaders, both of you, and we’re so thrilled and fortunate,” said School Committee Chair Laura Scott to Saari-Franks and Balch.
