Over the years, Belson has seen state education requirements and public perceptions about education shift. The district has also become increasingly racially and ethnically diverse, and Belson said he has tried to help students, parents and teachers appreciate that diversity.
Meanwhile, he has developed a constructionist view of education that he seeks to impart on all his employees, which moves beyond test-prep and memorization and encourages teachers to work directly with students.
“An effective educator is an active learner – you’ve got to keep learning,” he said.“It shows you’re alive, because information is flying by so quickly, and secondly, you show empathy for the learner.”
Naturally, he’s aware of the criticisms he has faced over the years, such as when his contract was renewed in 2016 despite
some pressure from parents to retire. Part of the reason he stayed on, he said, was to help the city transition following former longtime mayor Michael McGlynn’s departure.
For some in the community, Belson’s legacy has been tainted by a high-profile
gun magazine incident earlier this year. But the outgoing superintendent maintains that he had no intention of endangering anyone and that he has always acted with integrity and respect for others, even in disagreements.
The majority of the School Committee seemed to feel similarly, as the body voted in April to reverse their prior decision to oust Belson two months before the end of his contract once the outcry over the gun magazine calmed down.
“When things cooled down, the School Committee said, ‘What’s in the best interest of the school district? Are you kidding me, let’s get him back here!’” Belson said.
The event was also a reminder of the complex role that superintendents must fulfill, according to Belson.
“The superintendent has to be part educator, part manager-leader, inspirer and part politician,” he said. “You have to be able to balance all of the competing themes.”
Retiring from all those pressures, as well as the day-to-day, around-the-clock tasks that come with the job, will be a relief and comfort for Belson. But he still hopes to help out from time to time as needed.