BILLERICA, MA — Shawsheen’s new head of school Tony McIntosh has made it through his first month as superintendent, and big moves have been made.

McIntosh is a graduate of Franklin County Technical School in Turners Falls, where he spent over a decade teaching as a Metal Fabrication & Welding Instructor. More recently, he was the Construction Academy Supervisor at Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover, and the Director of Career and Technical Education at Keefe Regional Technical School in Framingham. Mr. McIntosh is a true advocate for, and product of, career and technical education.

On Friday July 1st, Tony officially moved into his office and greeted staff. The corridors were sparse, but his to-do list was abundant. His first priority was to work with the newly appointed Business Manager Jenna Lesko on finalizing the FY23 Operating Budget. He participated in the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendent’s conference and held an intensive one-day retreat to work with Shawsheen’s school committee. Parallelly, he started cabinet meetings with his administrative team, has been working to address the school’s schedule challenges, and has met with key members within the school community. Most notably, he swiftly approved the request to hire a new fulltime special education teacher, which is critical in accommodating the needs of the incoming freshmen class.

Mr. McIntosh has been rapidly absorbing the challenges and successes of the district, while maintaining a calm and steady presence in the building. Most of the staff will not meet him until they return for opening days in August, but there is a noticeable energy shift for the better in the building.

On April 28, school committee members voted 8-2 in favor of McIntosh, citing his overwhelming dedication and knowledge of vocational education. Bedford representative Nancy Asbedian said, “he is the perfect role model for what vocational students can achieve, and we are lucky to have him.”

McIntosh’s appointment comes two years after a failed superintendent search, which lead Shawsheen’s school committee to hire seasoned superintendent Dr. Bradford Jackson for a short two-year stint. Shawsheen has had three superintendents in the last five years, and the community is ready for stability.

Teachers, administrators, students, parents, and school committee members are embracing their new leader. The community feels a sense of relief with Tony McIntosh’s appointment, and there is excitement around his commitment and experience.