Tierney, Deerfield Elementary's only principal, set to leave post

BY ANITA FRITZ THE RECORDER

Published on February 16, 2007

DEERFIELD - When people speak of Douglas Tierney, they think about the man who, wearing a hard hat, stood with students to break ground for a new school, or the principal who has pushed for and supported arts programs for many years, or the jokester who leads school assemblies.

Tierney, the only principal Deerfield Elementary School has ever known, will retire at the end of the school year in June.

"It's been an amazing 18-1/2 years," said Tierney. "The most amazing part of it was bringing together two communities that had learned separately for so many years."

In January 1989, Tierney became principal at South Deerfield Elementary School with the intention that Old Deerfield Elementary and South Deerfield Elementary would become one.

In 1993, that dream was realized, when the current school replaced two older ones, and Tierney was at the helm.

"It's with a mixture of celebration and sadness that I announce the retirement of Principal Doug Tierney," Superintendent Regina Nash told School Committee members last week. "He is going to be sorely missed."

Tierney, 58, has worked a total of 36 years in education. He began as a teacher and worked for a few years as an assistant principal in eastern Massachusetts.

He was hired by Deerfield, not only to become principal, but to plan the new school and help with the transition of students and faculty from the two existing schools.

"I will personally miss Doug's presence and his 'can-do' positive attitude," said Nash. "He is my go-to person when something needs to get done."

Tierney, who lives in South Deerfield with his wife, Arlene, and who there raised his two sons, Douglas and Matthew, said he'd like to do some teaching in higher education, but will spend time with his family, read lots of books, golf and just relax before he begins his next adventure.

The man has been noted as a driving force in the school and the community, participating in many organizations and events, including the Sunset Hoopsters, Lions Club, Polish American Club and Memorial Day events.

Tierney has been recognized by parents, staff, faculty and administrators as one who stands out in establishing a unified student body; increasing communications with parents, town officials and the community; establishing high expectations for his students, staff and faculty; and for creating a welcoming school environment.

Assistant Principal Kevin Kelly said the first time he talked with Tierney on the phone, he knew he was a person he'd like to work with.

"The one thing I will always remember is that he said to me, 'If this were my son, if this were my daughter, what would I hope would happen?'" said Kelly. "That's the kind of attitude you want your principal to have."

Tierney, an identical twin, grew up in Waltham and later married an identical twin. He received his undergraduate degree from Westfield State College, his master's degree from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and worked on his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Tierney said he's seen many wonderful changes in the almost two decades that he's been in Deerfield. He has implemented the many facets of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act, helped create the Arts Partnership program at the elementary school, and helped create the School-Business Partnership. He has implemented school choice and full-day kindergarten. But Tierney won't take credit for any of that, because he said it's all been a collaborative effort.

"I'm just happy that our elementary school has become the centerpiece of the communities; it has become the centerpiece of meetings, elementary education, recreation, and so much more," said Tierney.

He said he hopes that, long after he has left, Deerfield Elementary School will stay strong with the arts, something that "makes the school stand out."

As he reflects on where he has been and where he is going, Tierney said he feels rich and lucky.

"I'm rich, not wealthy, but I wouldn't change a thing," said Tierney. "Six years ago, I had two major surgeries and realized while I was recovering in Boston that I was living my dream and doing what I had always wanted to do with my life. I'm here on earth to teach and to learn, to do what I was meant to do."

Tierney said he will spend the next four months "just as involved" as he has ever been with the school, continuing to lead as its principal.