Last modified: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 1:14 AM EDT Chris Augusta-Scott, outgoing Norfolk superintendent of schools. (Staff photo by Tom Maguire) Four eventful years in Norfolk BY STEPHEN PETERSON SUN CHRONICLE STAFF NORFOLK - Chris Augusta-Scott only spent four years here heading the local school system, but she left her mark. Now overseeing Lowell schools, Augusta-Scott is credited with helping raise student test scores in the face of budget cuts, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars by schooling special education students locally and getting a planned new Freeman-Centennial School placed on a state funding assistance list. "I thought she did a great job. The kids loved her," outgoing Teacher Parent Association President Liz Bugbee said. "She was always looking out for the kids. I thought she always kept the best interests of students at the core of the job." Bugbee, a parent, worked with Augusta-Scott all four years she was superintendent. "I think she really did try to reach out to the community of children at the school. They all referred to her as Ms. Chris. To be so familiar with the superintendent I thought was unique," Bugbee said. "She always tried to reach out and communicate with parents and the community." Augusta-Scott says she is most proud of rising MCAS scores that put Norfolk among the top 15 percent of elementary school districts in the state. "It is very satisfying," she said, noting it had been 25 percent when she came. Two special education programs were started under her watch, for developmentally delayed and autistic children. The business and technology departments also were revamped. She also points to two teachers' contracts being amicably settled, including one this spring. And an after-school academy was begun this past year for Latin, violin and other offerings. Augusta-Scott gives credit to the school staff she describes as a "high functioning, caring and compassionate team," and parents and school board members for "coming together" for the education of children. Started at age 38 Augusta-Scott, 42, was believed to be the youngest superintendent in the state when she came here at age 38 to run the 100-teacher, 200-staff member district of two schools. "I think Chris has done an absolutely outstanding job, better than we could have hoped and expected. She exceeded all our expectations," said former school committee Chairwoman Kim Williams, who chose not to run for another term in May. "I really feel like she has fulfilled her commitment to us. We would love for her to stay." Williams highlighted Augusta-Scott's leadership and curriculum experience and business management skills. It hasn't been all smooth sailing in Norfolk for the superintendent, however. Budget cuts this year are leading to the loss of the Spanish and health programs, and two teachers won't be replaced, increasing class sizes slightly. Also, 19 special education aides lost their jobs two years ago because of money constraints. Augusta-Scott was the center of controversy when school committee members two years ago gave her a hefty raise to retain her, the school system ceased a long-standing partnership with the town library to save money, and a popular teacher was fired for his unorthodox teaching ways. But she said the pluses easily outweigh the difficult moments. "I had a great run in Norfolk," says the ever-optimistic Augusta-Scott. Holder of a doctorate, Augusta-Scott came to Norfolk after one year as math, science and technology curriculum director for the Wayland public schools. A Cambridge resident who plans to move to Lowell, she was principal of a Cambridge school for two years before that. Augusta-Scott previously worked in Halifax, the largest city in Nova Scotia, where she hails from. It was Augusta-Scott's desire to return to inner city schools and the challenges they present that steered her to Lowell. "I really want to go back and make a difference in that setting," Augusta-Scott said. "What I learned here in Norfolk I take to Lowell." STEPHEN PETERSON can be reached at 508-236-0377 or at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.