MIDDLEBORO — Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons received a proficient rating from School Committee members in her annual evaluation, which was presented at the May 9 meeting.

She was rated proficient in all categories, which included human resources management and development, engagement and family concerns, and exemplary in the areas of fiscal systems and law ethics and policies. Lyons has a law degree.

Proficient was the second highest rating possible, with exemplary the top category. Other options included unsatisfactory and needs improvement.

She was praised for “managing the business district’’ during the period between the previous business manager going on leave and the hiring of a replacement.

She handled the budget process in a “detailed and thoughtful fashion, asking for departments to make cuts even before town and state contributions were finalized at lower than expected amounts,’’ according to the review.

The review added that “while there is concern for FY 26 and beyond, Supt. Lyons was able to fund our entire budget without laying off teachers or asking the town to vote on an override.’’

The issue of communication has been the subject of discussion at previous meetings, with some in the community saying they were not promptly notified of issues at the schools.

On this topic, the review stated that Lyons had heard the feedback and made positive changes.

This resulted in “a communication policy for district and school-specific messaging. As we live in a culture of immediate access to information of varying degrees of accuracy, the School Committee encourages Supt. Lyons to continue with her communication efforts as well as reinforce the hierarchy in place for the proper and most effective points of contact,’’ the review reads.

The review noted that her communication style “may not be the preference for all staff and families in the district. ‘’

As a result, the committee encouraged Lyons “to continue to be flexible and responsive to individual situations and focus on effective communication to ensure all parties feel heard and are clear on the outcome of each encounter. ‘’

Each committee member evaluated Lyons; all comments and the overall determination was compiled by committee member Jessica Chartoff based on the responses.

One committee member saw Lyons’ performances  differently, at least in some categories.

This reviewer “noted stakeholders have expressed concerns about lack of communication, accountability and transparency’’ from Lyons. That review also noted that “staff feel unsupported and morale is low.’’ But the review added that “there was no evidence provided to support this claim.’’

Individual names were not included in the review. 

Lyons thanked the committee for the evaluation. “The most important thing I do in this role is the continuous district improvement,’’ she said, looking to “improve our school system every year. If our goal is to constantly improve our school district, then we too are constantly improving.’’

The evaluation was approved by all four committee members in attendance: Chair Allin Frawley, Ezekiel Lewis, Chris Benson, Susan Pennini and Chartoff. Committee member Marcy Fregault was not present.