State and local school officials, including former colleagues, praised the late Harford County Public Schools superintendent, Dr. Jacqueline C. Haas, as she was inducted Monday night as the 162nd member of the HCPS Educator Hall of Fame.
Board members posthumously inducted Dr. Haas, who died from a severe asthma attack in December 2008, during their regular meeting Monday night. Dr. Haas started as a superintendent in Harford County on an interim basis in March 1998 before being appointed to the position five months later and serving in the position until her sudden death.
Interim State Superintendent Bernard Sadusky praised Dr. Haas as a friend and mentor.
"I don't think she ever met a student she didn't like," Sadusky added. "I will tell you, she didn't meet a student she didn't care about."
Executive Director of the Public School Superintendents Association of Maryland Carl Roberts spoke kindly of Dr. Haas as well, calling her a true friend with the best sense of humor. He, like Sadusky, mentioned the successes of Harford County and Dr. Haas' role in that.
Former school board president Mark Wolkow, who ended his term in June, mentioned Dr. Haas' well-known insomnia, 2 a.m. emails and hard work obtaining her doctorate in 2005.
Wolkow praised the late superintendent, saying it was "amazing how she could keep all of the balls in the air."
Dr. Haas' husband, Jim, and son, Rob, were at the meeting to accept the many certificates and plaques she received for her induction. Rob declined to speak but Jim briefly talked about Dr. Haas and what it was like being there for the sleepless nights.
"This school system was her life and she literally gave her life for it," he added.
Former superintendent A.A. Roberty, for whom the school system building is named after, also attended, but did not comment.
Board actions
Also at the meeting, members unanimously approved minutes of previous meetings, the monthly report on personnel, a contract for special education services, appointment of negotiating teams and four proposed resolutions on special weeks.
The proposed resolutions deem Oct. 9 through 15 as Fire Prevention Week; Oct. 10 through 14 as National School Lunch Week; Oct. 17 through 21 as National School Bus Safety Week; and Oct. 23 through 31 as National Red Ribbon Week.
Other business
During his report, Superintendent Robert Tomback announced a $270,000 Department of Defense Education Award had been awarded to the "Chargers and Mustangs Succeed in STEM" program at Churchville and Meadowvale elementary schools.
Maryland Association of Boards of Education President Thomas Carr and Executive Director Carl Smith gave a presentation on the organization.
The next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. in the A.A. Roberty Building.