Wresinski To Retire From Framingham Public Schools

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FRAMINGHAM – “Framingham Public Schools would like to share a bittersweet retirement announcement and as a result, a leadership opportunity within the Central Office,” the district wrote in a press release today, April 1.

With 32 years experience in public education, Donna Wresinski, the Director of Fine and Performing Arts announced her retirement effective January 2022 but has remained in a limited capacity with a full retirement on June 30, saidthe district.

“While Ms. Wresinski will be missed greatly, the District wishes her well as she begins the next chapter of her life,” wrote the school district in its press release.

Wresinski has devoted the last 20 years of her professional career to serving the needs of Framingham’s culturally and linguistically diverse students in the Framingham Public Schools, as a Theater Arts teacher for the first 14 years and for the last 6 years in the Central Office as the Director of Fine and Performing Arts.

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Under her leadership, she revived the grade five band and string program which had been lost due to budget cuts.

Currently, more 80% of Framingham students in grade five play an instrument. She also brought music classes to the BLOCKS Preschool Program.

Wresinski created two theater management positions, started the annual K-12 Visual Arts show at the public library, brought Quaver Music and Drums Alive to the elementary music program, created equity in drama by expanding drama classes to all three middle schools, traveled to The Fringe Festival in Scotland with 90 members of the school and community, directed The Laramie Project and 9-11 A Remembrance with community members to use art to impact healing, and has brought Framingham High School Drama Company to the Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild’s State Final Competition for 15 years.

The Framingham High School Drama Company won the state’s top prize twice, the last time in 2016.

Under her lead, the Drama Department at FHS is recognized as one of the top 3 programs in the state.  

“Donna”, as the students have referred to her for over 30 years, has recently been named the Artistic / Executive Director of the Eventide Theatre Company on Cape Cod in Dennis.

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“While Donna is often immediately associated with our second-to-none drama program in Framingham, I have had the privilege of working with her as a member of the Framingham Public Schools Leadership Team in her role as a tireless advocate for children and the entire fine and performing arts program,” said Bob Tremblay, Superintendent of Framingham Public Schools.

“Donna has leveraged partnerships within the city and beyond to create spaces for students to shine on stage, in the pit, behind the curtain, and in the galleries where the arts and students are celebrated. She has the remarkable vision to dream big and practical knowledge to bring the vision to life! Ms. Wresinski will be missed, but she has left a legacy in Framingham that will continue for years and decades to come,” said Tremblay in the press release.

The District will be launching a full-scale search process with various opportunities for community member involvement, it announced today.

This typically includes a survey for input on the characteristics and qualities of the Department leader as well as, various screening committees to determine interview questions and narrow down candidates.

The Director of Fine and Performing Arts provides leadership and direction for the fine and performing arts programs in order to deliver equal access to high levels of instruction and Framingham Public Schools’ high expectations for achievement of academic proficiency for all students, in Dance, Theater, Music and Visual Art.

Note: Significant portions of this report are a press release from FPS