Rockland School Committee approves contract for Jane Hackett to become superintendent July 1, 2026

The Rockland School Committee approved a contract Wednesday for Jane Hackett to become superintendent of Rockland Public Schools effective July 1, 2026.

The committee chair called for a motion to accept the proposed contract and, after a motion and second, conducted a roll-call vote that the chair described as a yay vote. Dr. Small, responding during the roll call, said, “I approve the motion for the contract for Miss Hackett effective 07/01/2026.” Other members verbally indicated their support during the roll call.

Committee members offered praise for Hackett before the vote. One member said Hackett had “guided us financially in 2 ways in her 8 years of being here,” cited consecutive audits with no findings and successful contract negotiations, and credited her for leveraging federal and state funding after COVID. That same speaker said Hackett provided “steady leadership throughout the reorganization of elementary schools in construction of Phelps,” and “forecasting needs and dealing with unanticipated dynamics of bringing together 3 school communities into 1.”

The meeting record shows the contract was discussed in open session after the committee chair said legal counsel advised the negotiation needed to be voted on in public, not in executive session.

The committee congratulated Hackett after the vote. The contract start date listed at the meeting is July 1, 2026; the transcript did not specify salary, contract length beyond that start date, or other contract terms.

Looking ahead, committee members and district leaders signaled continued collaboration with Hackett as she prepares to assume the superintendent role.