Two Boston principals honored for public service

BOSTON - Two Boston Public Schools principals recently received Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Awards in recognition of their many years of outstanding service to the City of Boston. Gerald Howland of Roslindale and Domenic Amara of East Boston were among eight public employees and two other individuals honored by the Boston Municipal Research Bureau in a special ceremony earlier this month.

Mr. Howland was formerly headmaster of Another Course to College in Brighton. Under Mr. Howland's leadership, Another Course to College grew from a small program for grades 11 and 12 to a full four-year college preparatory pilot high school. When Mr. Howland decided to step down as headmaster last June, he chose to stay on at the school as a teacher. Mr. Howland is also a past recipient of both Massachusetts and national "Teacher of the Year" awards.

Dr. Amara is principal of the Warren-Prescott K-8 School in Charlestown. Over the years Dr. Amara has cultivated partnerships with parents, teachers, community businesses and city agencies and used these partnerships to develop unique programs for the benefit of students. One of his most recent programs involves a partnership with the National Park Service through which children learn about our nation's parks and gain an understanding and appreciation of their local heritage. Dr. Amara is a strong advocate for early childhood education and his Kindergarten Enrichment Program has helped increase the academic achievements of participating students.

"We are so proud of these remarkable school leaders," said Dr. Carol R. Johnson. "They are gifted educators who work creatively and tirelessly on behalf of Boston's children and families. I am delighted that the Municipal Research Bureau has honored them for their years of tremendous service."

Now in their 22nd year, Shattuck Awards are given annually to "unsung heroes" who are City of Boston employees and whose many years of public service have benefited the citizens of Boston.

Founded in 1932, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau is a private watchdog group that promotes a healthy business and residential climate by advocating for stability and predictability in the basics of city government-tax policies, service delivery and public education. For more information, visit www.bmrb.org.

4 schools, and recently won the Broad Prize for Urban Education as the top city school district in the country.

Dr. Amara