Executive Director Transition
Dear Abby Kelley Community,
I am writing to inform you that I am stepping down from my position as Executive Director for the 2026-2027 academic year. For the past six years, it has been my honor to work with and for all of you—our students and families, our dedicated teachers and staff, and our many community partners. Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School has been my home, and working alongside you has been a privilege.
I have been involved with Abby Kelley for more than 20 years–first as a parent of two students, then for nearly ten years as Chair of the Board of Trustees. These last six years, I was humbled to serve as Executive Director. I am proud of the successes we have achieved together—including operating through the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthening the school’s financial position, and laying groundwork for the upcoming campus improvement project, which will benefit students for years to come.
During these last few years, we revised our Mission to incorporate diverse works and global perspectives while keeping what is core to Abby Kelley–partnering with families, academic excellence, musical competence, and character formation. We continue to be a great choice for education as evidenced by our waitlist of nearly 600 students.
I am committed to ensuring a strong end to this school year and to supporting a smooth transition this summer as Abby Kelley enters its next chapter.
I am deeply grateful to the staff, students, and families who make Abby Kelley such a special community and am even more proud that we continue to be recognized as one of the top 40 schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and one of Best Schools in America.
I will continue to champion our incredible students, alumni, families, and teachers and look forward to all the future success of this amazing community.
To all of you, THANK YOU, for your continued support and for the trust you placed in me. It has been my absolute pleasure to be a part of the history of Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School.
With gratitude,
Heidi Paluk
Executive Director
Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School
Letter from Board of Trustees
Dear Abby Kelley Staff and Families,
The Board of Trustees wishes to share that Executive Director Heidi Paluk will step down from her role effective July 2, 2026. On behalf of the entire Board, we extend our sincere gratitude to Heidi for her dedicated service to Abby Kelley Foster Charter Public School. Over the past six years as Executive Director, Heidi has provided steady leadership during some of the most challenging periods in the school’s history. Most notably, she guided the school through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining our commitment to students, families, and staff.
Prior to serving as Executive Director, Heidi dedicated more than a decade of service as a member of the Board of Trustees. Her commitment to the mission and long-term success of Abby Kelley Foster has spanned over fifteen years and reflects a remarkable investment in this community. While there are far too many accomplishments to fully capture in a single message, the Board firmly believes Abby Kelley is stronger today because of Heidi’s leadership.
The Board is actively working on transition planning and will share additional information regarding leadership plans for the 2026-2027 school year as those decisions are finalized. Throughout this process, we will be working closely with the school’s senior leadership team to ensure continuity in school operations and planning for the year ahead, while maintaining our focus on supporting students, staff, and families during this transition.
In the meantime, we remain focused on supporting a successful conclusion to the school year and ensuring continuity for our students, staff, and families.
Thank you for your dedication and commitment throughout the school year. Please join us in thanking Heidi for her many years of service and in wishing her success in her future endeavors.
We wish you a relaxing and rewarding summer.
Patrick Royce
Chair, Board of Trustees
Shelly Yarnie
Vice Chair, Board of Trustees