Board of Directors

Joan A. Connolly

Dr. Joan A. Connolly is the Superintendent of the Malden Public Schools and has been in this position since August of 2000. Prior to coming to Malden, Dr. Connolly served the Winthrop Public Schools as Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Schools. Dr. Connolly received her Bachelor’s Degree from Emmanuel College; two Masters’ Degrees from Salem State College in School Administration and in Guidance and Counseling; and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. She has worked in public education for over 32 years and has been in the positions of Teacher, Guidance Counselor, Assistant Principal, Principal, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. Dr. Connolly states, “That she is fortunate to have been appointed to the Superintendent position in Malden. She believes that the future of public education in this country depends on the degree of success that we can achieve in our urban schools. If public education fails, then too does the democratic system. A lot is at stake. She is very proud to be able to play a role in this important work.”

Dr. Connolly is actively involved with the City of Malden. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Malden Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Culture Connection and is a member of the Malden Rotary Club. She also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development and of the Center for Collaborative Education. She is a member of the Executive Board and President-elect of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. She serves as member of the executive board of the Superintendents’ Leadership Council of the Alliance at Brown University and is also a member of the Professional Development Council at Salem State College.

Dr. Connolly has been the recipient of the following awards:

• Annenberg Superintendent in 1996
  
• Collaborative Project for Mathematics and Science Education Senior Administrator’s Award in 1995
  
• The Dean’s Award for Excellence at the Graduate School of Salem State College in 2000

Dr. Connolly resides in Rowley, MA. with her husband, Charles Costello, who is a Wetlands Biologist. They have a daughter, who is a 7th grade teacher in Salem, MA. Their son-in-law is an 8th grade teacher in Ipswich, MA. They are the proud grandparents of delightful five-year old twin girls.