Assistant Superintendent Built Ford Tough

Editor's Note: After a hiatus, the Town Employee Spotlight returns to Stoughton Patch, profiling a dedicated town employee whose hard work contributes to the continued betterment of our community.

Have anyone you would like to see featured as part of this series? Let us know by emailing jeffrey.pickette@patch.com.

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Jonathan Ford, Assistant Superintendent, Stoughton School Department

Jonathan Ford and his wife of 11 years, Heather, moved to Massachusetts seven years ago from their Buffalo, N.Y. home.  They ultimately settled in Hull, where Ford taught high school physics and chemistry, before becoming principal of Hull High.

Now, Ford is in his third year as Assistant Superintendent of the .

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marguerite Dr. Rizzi said “most of what Jonathan does is behind the scenes.”

“His role encompasses so many things,” she said. “By devoting hundreds of man-hours, he has been instrumental in bringing the school system’s policies into compliance with the state mandates.”

His job in Stoughton actually reunited him with Dr. Rizzi, who worked with Ford in Hull. Dr. Rizzi was the Director of Student Services there, before coming to Stoughton.

Ford and his wife have two adorable boys, ages 2 and 4, whose picture he proudly displays in his office.

Ford affirms that both boys, who currently attend the Stoughton Extended Day preschool program at the Jones School, will remain in the Stoughton School System (by paying tuition). A decision not made on mere logistics, but rather based on a sincere conviction of the superior education that Stoughton Schools provide.

As a 16-year veteran of the Army, (five of which were active landing him in places like Germany and Panama), Ford brings the desirable characteristics of self-discipline and a strong work ethic to the role of Assistant Superintendent. 

Best words to describe my job…

Ever-Changing—State requirements are constantly changing so therefore I am faced with updating the policies and procedures that the state dictates.

My Job Entails…

My job entails a gamut of things. The Coordinated Program Review (CPR) has been a major focus. The CPR is a 6-year review of state compliance monitoring (partial reviews are done every 3 years). 

A great deal of what I do surrounds policy and grant development. Both have extremely specific requirements and once completed, I then begin implementing them.  Some of the grants I process are Titles 1, 2, 3 and 6.  These grants are vital, surrounding things such as civil rights and programs based on family’s poverty levels.

Besides policies and grants, I oversee curriculum implementation, professional development and am also the Homeless Liaison.

This position is right for me…

I never anticipated leaving Hull. And while this is the right fit for me at so many levels, I honestly, came to Stoughton because of the opportunity it presented to work with Dr. Rizzi again.  

She is a person of integrity, which is not always the case.  Though we don’t always agree, I always know where she is coming from. That type of working relationship makes the commute more than worthwhile.

Favorite part of the job…

I like the ability to support the faculty and principals. The assistant superintendent role affords me the opportunity to have a greater impact than when I was a principal.

Frustrations of the job…

Everyone in education faces state mandates that are devised by politicians, not educators.  It is no different in my role. I am inundated with new policy requirements and recommendations and when the state adds new regulations, nothing is removed.

Therefore leading to my ultimate frustration—Not being able to offer the support I would like to. Unfortunately, there are just so many hours in the day. 

I would much rather be supporting teachers than rewriting policy!

In terms of the most frustrating or obscure policy rewrite I have had thus far, the  “mini-horse policy” would definitely be it. Seriously, I had to rewrite a policy to include mini-horses as service animals.

See a copy of this policy in the media gallery above.

Best place to break for lunch…

in Shaw’s Plaza on Washington Street. The chicken gyros are the best on the planet.

When I am off the clock…

My free time involves raising my children. Our family loves the outdoors. Heather and I have always enjoyed things like long distance hiking together. The boys seem to be following suit.  Now that they are a bit older, we are working on fishing and camping together. 

Favorite Hangout…

Anywhere with my family!  But if I had to pick one place, it would have to be Wompatuck State Park [in Hingham]. Not only is it minutes from our house; it is truly a great park. And that short 20-minute drive, round trip, is key when camping!