Vocational technical & agricultural education has been blessed with so many incredible leaders over the years but none of them has left a more indelible mark than Dr. Gerald L. Paist. Gerry’s exceptional length of service, dedication, and attention to detail have brought innumerable educational opportunities for the thousands of graduates of Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School. Words cannot adequately capture what he has accomplished in his incredible career. Forty-eight years of dedicated service to one school district is truly amazing. His length of service will never be matched.
During the first two years of the school’s existence, Pathfinder had three previous superintendents but only one, Dr. Paist, since. Prior to his arrival in 1974, the enrollment at the school was 325 students which has nearly doubled since his arrival. In addition, 6 additional communities have joined the District bringing the total to 16.
Gerry’s expertise and intellectual acumen was shared statewide as he was actively involved in the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA), and was its President in 1978. He was active in the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), ACTE (Association for Career & Technical Education) and NCLA. NCLA is the administrative section of ACTE, where he served nationally as a member of the Board of Directors. Gerry also served as Commissioner for the Commission on Technical and Career Institutions (CTCI) at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
When he retires on June 30th, his efforts as a colleague may decrease but his friendship, caring, and kindness will remain with us all. Gerry, you deserve nothing but the best in retirement and from all of us we say best wishes for good health, happiness, and the opportunity to do the things you like to do.
We also congratulate Pathfinder’s Assistant Superintendent – Principal Eric Duda who has been appointed to succeed Dr. Paist upon his retirement. We are confident that Eric will continue the incredible tradition of success at the school.