Haverhill Celebrates Superintendent Scully at Retirement Party

Haverhill Superintendent James F. Scully addressed the crowd at his retirement party June 11 at Bradford Country Club. (WHAV News photographs)

Haverhill Superintendent James F. Scully addressed the crowd at his retirement party June 11 at Bradford Country Club. (WHAV News photographs)

Eight years and memories to last a lifetime. Educators, former students and community members from across the Merrimack Valley came out to salute Haverhill’s outgoing Superintendent James F. Scully Monday at a retirement party at Bradford Country Club.

Kicked off with a performance by Haverhill High’s chorus of Josh Groban’s
“You Raise Me Up” and the Irish blessing “May the Road Rise to Meet You,” Scully’s send-off featured remarks from Mayor James J. Fiorentini, Assistant Superintendent Jared Fulgoni and members of Haverhill’s Statehouse delegation, among others.

Haverhill’s longest-serving mayor had nothing but kind words for the education chief, declaring Scully “one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever met.” Above all, Fiorentini praised his colleague’s work ethic, caring and compassion.

“I’ve worked with four superintendents, thousands of people—hundreds, anyway—and I’ve never worked with a more hardworking person than Jim Scully. Never,” said Fiorentini.

As guests including former state Rep. Brian S. Dempsey, former Haverhill mayor William H. Ryan and members of the City Council and School Committee mingled, Scully reflected on what the job has meant to him.

In a word, he called his eight-year tenure “spectacular.”

Scully, who came to Haverhill after more than a decade as Lawrence’s superintendent, said he may have not grown up a Hillie, but he’ll always bleed brown and gold.

“So many (former Haverhill High athletes) talk about their love for Haverhill. One of them said ‘Unless you’re a Hillie, you really don’t get it.’ Well, I didn’t go to Haverhill High School, but I get it,” he said. “The love in this community for its teachers and people is like something I’ve never, ever seen. Of all the years and all the places I’ve worked, these past eight years I’ll treasure the rest of my life.”

School Committeeman Scott W. Wood, Jr., told WHAV he was among those who initially encouraged Scully to take Haverhill’s top schools job, and has been in awe of what he has been able to achieve.

“The progress he’s been able to make in this district is unbelievable,” said Wood. “His caring for kids is unmatched. I’ve never met an individual so dedicated to kids. At the end of the day, no matter what you think, Jim Scully always did what’s right for kids, and I think that’s what he’ll be always be remembered for.”

Margaret Marotta succeeds Scully as superintendent, beginning her new position in Haverhill on July 1.