A bag full cards for Montepare, one of several similar gifts from students.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — There once was a young man who couldn't seem to keep himself out of trouble in school.
It was suggested he join the woodworking shop, which was building birdhhouses. But that was not his bag: He wanted to build a doghouse.
James Montepare, then administrator of special education, made him a deal — if he completed a list of actions addressing his behavior, Montepare would personally help him build a doghouse.
So the day came when the young man showed up at Montepare's office all excited: He had completed the list!
Ellen Sutherland, then as now Montepare's assistant, knocked on her boss's door. He was inside meeting with several people and the young man ran in and announced he was ready to build his dog house, right now.
Sutherland said Montepare turned to his guests and told them they'd have to meet another time, pulled off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves and left to build a dog house.
"It epitomizes what was and is the most important thing to you: the children," Sutherland said in a 50-minute video tracking Montepare's career and successes, and featuring numerous friends and colleagues giving personal remembrances.
"I feel lucky to be a part of the what you've accomplished ... I will miss you but I know you're ready for the next state in your life and I feel happy for you," she continued.
Mayor Richard Alcombright thanked Montepare for helping so many families in the city, including his own.
"You've been a tremendous friend not only to me but to everyone who's come in contact with you," he said. "You always find the right thing to do and the right way to do it."
Montepare, who retired a few months ago but stayed on as a part-time interim was attending his final School Committee meeting. His replacement, Barbara Malkas, begins on July 1.
Montepare began as a special education teacher in North Adams in March 1975. He became coordinator of pupil services in 1979 and administrator of special education in 1996, a post he continued to fill after being named assistant superintendent in 1998. He was named superintendent in 2003.
During that period, he brought in millions of dollars in grant funding to the school district, founded the after-school and summer programs, developed and expanded upon alternative education programs, spearheaded the laptop initiative and, after seven years of effort, saw the opening of Colegrove Park Elementary School.
The video and small get-together after the regular school Committee meeting on Tuesday took the place of a party that Montepare didn't want, said Sutherland. Instead, she brought the party to him.
Alcombright presented Montepare with the "key to the city," joking that though it looked old, he didn't want to see it hanging in the antique dealer's store with a price tag.
Sarah Kline of state Rep. Gailanne Cariddi's office presented a resolution from Cariddi and House Speaker Robert Deleo; state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing also has a resolution from the Senate but was not able to get to Tuesday's meeting.
Montepare received a heavy gift bag full of cards from well-wishers and writings from the children who attended the many program he'd brought to the school district. Greylock Principal Sandra Cote presented him with a large framed picture of a tree with falling "leaves" made from the fingerprints of every child in the school.
Noella Carlow, the district's 21st Century programs also gave him a framed picture of him and former Supremes member Mary Wilson, who performed at Drury High School in 2003.
"It's been one big family for all ... I can't tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done today," said Montepare. "It's a little overwhelming."
In the video, family and numerous colleagues, administrators and school officials expressed their appreciation for his guidance, friendship, mentorship and actions and advocacy on behalf of children.
"You have always worked tirelessly to provide innovative programs to our students," said Drury High Principal Amy Meehan. "Thank you for your dedication, loyalty and advice."
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