MIDDLEBORO – Superintendent of Schools Carolyn Lyons received an overall rating of proficient for her first year on the job, with praise for her communication with the community and her knowledge of policy and budget, the Middleboro School Committee said at their Thursday, Aug. 17 meeting.

The proficient rating is the second highest available, with exemplary the top ranking. 

She received proficient ratings in virtually all categories, including commitment to high standards, cultural proficiency, managing conflict, human resources management and development, student learning and sharing responsibility, among other areas being evaluated.

She received exemplary ratings in two areas: fiscal systems and law ethics and policies. Lyons is an attorney.

“This was a good first year as our superintendent,’’ one of the comments attached to the evaluation stated. “She demonstrated strength in areas around budget, walkthroughs, increasing mental health services for students and an overall desire to support staff in their daily efforts.’’

In other written comments, Lyons received kudos for having a “broad knowledge of the process’’ and making “creative and sound decisions to maximize dollars spent.’’ She was said to have done a “fantastic job of working with town-side of government’’ and was praised for her work with two town managers, Robert Nunes, who retired last fall, and current Town Manager James McGrail. 

Lyons is “extremely strong in her verbal and written communications skills. This is an area where she can excel as she works to build relationships.’’

Not all comments were positive. 

Two committee members “expressed concern that not all communication has been professional and courteous. There was a belief that the superintendent should ‘reflect on this practice and self-correct when necessary.’ The other committee members did not see this as an issue,’’ according to the evaluation.

Committee members were not named specifically in the evaluation.

The evaluation was based on the views of Chair Rich Young and members Marcy Fregault, Teresa Farley, Ezekiel Lewis and Meghan Jenness, who were members of the School Committee in the spring prior to town elections. 

Jenness and Farley opted against running for re-election. 

Farley has since been an outspoken critic of Lyons, calling for her resignation at a May 18 meeting in the wake of what she said was insufficient handling of a situation that led to a lawsuit against the town and school officials. The situation involved a student who was asked to remove a shirt that stated “There Are Only Two Genders’’ after other students said they felt offended by the message. The student and his family subsequently filed suit. 

At the Aug. 17 meeting, Lyons said she had no comment “at this time’’ about the evaluation.