METHUEN — As Methuen students begin their first day of school today, former Superintendent Jeanne Whitten will start her first day of retirement.
Yesterday was Whitten's last day on the job. She packed up her belongings and enjoyed pizza with her staff.
"She's going to be missed," said her secretary Dodie Runge, who worked with Whitten since Whitten came to Methuen in 2006.
Runge said Whitten, 60, has a heart of gold and always thinks of the children first. She described Whitten as "not only a boss, but a friend."
Whitten said she plans to take care of her ill father. She wants to use her free time to learn to play golf, hit the gym and get caught up on her reading, she said.
She plans to relax for a while, but she thinks she'll eventually find another job.
"I'm too young not to work, and I have a lot to accomplish," she said.
Whitten endured some tumultuous times in Methuen. She came under fire last year when some School Committee members accused her of not communicating well enough. She has been at odds with teachers union leaders who refused to make pay concessions to save jobs, and she laid off 19 teachers this summer. Plus, the job itself is tough by nature — superintendents have to be accountable for multi-million dollar budgets and students' ability to pass standardized tests.
But those who know Whitten say she has thick skin and always maintains a pleasant demeanor.
"She's terrific. I've said it over and over — nine superintendents I've dealt with, nine — I've never seen a tougher one or a better one," said School Committeeman Kenneth Henrick.
"She was a superintendent in a tough economic time and I think she did a great job for the city," said Mayor and School Committee Chairman William Manzi. "She has done a great job of moving the system forward educationally."
Whitten said rising test scores were her administration's biggest accomplishment. They also saw increased enrollment in advanced placement courses at Methuen High School, the beginning of a massive renovation of Methuen High School and improvements to special education.
"All kids have a right to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment," Whitten said.
Interim Superintendent Judith Scannell addressed teachers yesterday and received a standing ovation. Whitten said she told Scannell to be herself, maintain her integrity and "keep her head above water."
"She'll be terrific," Whitten said.
Scannell, 57, started her career as a kindergarten teacher at the city's Marsh Grammar School in 1975. She has been working for the Methuen schools ever since and served as principal of both Timony and Tenney grammar schools last year.
Whitten said she will be available to help Scannell.
"This is a wonderful community," Whitten said. "It's old fashioned. I love that about this community."
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