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Residents urge school committee to honor Superintendent Bill Olsen’s tenure
Summary
During public comment, three residents praised Superintendent Bill Olsen’s long leadership and urged the committee to create a public recognition, including suggestions to name a school after him.
During the meeting’s public‑comment period on Sept. 22, three residents addressed the school committee to recommend formal public recognition for Superintendent Bill Olsen’s long tenure.
Judith Calva, who said she worked with Bill Olsen for close to 30 years as a school committee member or finance committee member, credited Olsen with collaborative leadership and cited programmatic accomplishments. “He created a safe, supportive, respectful, and trusting culture that empowers students and staff,” Calva said.
Rose O’Donnell, who said she has lived in Westford for 47 years and whose children and grandchildren attended district schools, tied district academic reputation to Olsen’s leadership and suggested naming a school in his honor. “Bill clearly put us on the map as far as education goes,” O’Donnell said.
Ken Teal, who described his history with youth programs in town and his work with Olsen when Olsen was business manager, said a public honor would “resonate with our residents” and encouraged the committee and the town to consider the suggestion.
Committee members thanked the commenters. No committee action or vote occurred on the naming suggestion during the meeting; it was recorded as public comment for future consideration.
