McCarthy Sets Sail

Scituate Superintendent John McCarthy recently announced his decision to retire during the school committee meeting that was held on October 3rd. McCarthy has worked in education for a total of 36 years, spending the past five in Scituate. We sat down with him to discuss his legacy, as well as the progress he has made during his time here.

When asked about factors contributing to his decision, McCarthy mentioned his children, whom he raised in Duxbury, and who now live on the West Coast. He also brought up his grandchildren who he doesn’t get to see as much as he wishes because of the distance. He said, “That was the largest contributor in the decision.”

McCarthy knows he will miss the work, as education has always been his passion. “While some people may find it stressful, I love it because you can really make an impact,” he said. McCarthy knows it will be bittersweet when he has to give it up.

Additionally, McCarthy feels that his greatest contribution to Scituate is the new middle school, to which he has dedicated the last three years of his career. He considers it “an opportunity to build a lasting legacy” that people will be able to utilize and appreciate for the next fifty to one hundred years. McCarthy feels especially prideful of the fact that the new school was one of his original goals when he first came to Scituate, and he was able to complete this goal as superintendent.

Part of the reason McCarthy is so proud of the new middle is school is he wants to be remembered as someone who accomplished his goals. Lowering class sizes, changing school start times, regulating bus routes, and of course, the construction of the new middle school, will all be part of his legacy here in Scituate. He determined that these improvements were necessary, and he spent his tenure working to put the changes into effect.

Looking toward the future, the next superintendent should work very well with other educators, as well as members in all levels of the community, says McCarthy. “This community is very supportive and involved in education,” he remarked, so it is crucial that the future superintendent can stay in touch with all facets of the town. In addition, someone who shares similar views with McCarthy as to the future of education in Scituate would allow for a more seamless transition.

When asked if he has any parting advice for the seniors graduating this year, McCarthy’s main message was to “follow your passion, and do what you love.” He mentioned that he could have gone down many different paths in his life, but he has no regrets with the one he chose.

Finally, and most importantly to many students, is whether or not McCarthy’s voice will remain in the snow day phone calls to students’ houses. “I hope I get to make them this year,” he added with a laugh, “maybe they’ll keep it for a while.” Regardless of whether students hear his voice each winter, McCarthy’s impact will still be felt long after he is gone.