Oakdale Elementary School in Dedham is one of 56 schools statewide named a 2026 School of Recognition by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The designation, confirmed on DESE's accountability page updated Sept. 22, highlights schools that showed marked progress toward state accountability targets in English Language Arts and math. A Dedham Public Schools district update published Sept. 30 congratulated Oakdale's educators and leadership, calling the honor a reflection of their hard work. The award is annual.
Superintendent Megan Avery's update noted the recognition comes as the district opened the 2026–2027 school year with 603 adults and 2,642 students.
Leadership transition at Oakdale
The state honor arrives during a changing of the guard at the school. Kim Hermesch, who led Oakdale for seven years, moved to Avery Elementary as principal for the 2026–2027 school year. Michael Maresca, formerly assistant principal at Dean S. Luce Elementary School in Canton, stepped in as Oakdale's new principal.
At a district curriculum night on Sept. 10, Hermesch reflected on her years at Oakdale. "[T]he most valuable lesson I have learned as an educator is that students need to feel like they belong in order to do their best … I hope every student I work with feels valued and seen by me," she said.
CityConnects enters third year
Dedham Public Schools and CityConnects are entering their third year of partnership in 2026–2027. The district update described the collaboration as a model for student support, saying a "quiet transformation" has taken root in the district's approach to student well-being. CityConnects team members named in the update include Ali Lukoff, a school psychologist, Ann Sherman and Ashley Dube, director of counseling and clinical services.
School Committee advances building options
The Dedham School Committee voted Tuesday, Sept. 29, to send three educational model options, labeled B4, B5 and D9, for cost estimates. The vote is part of the district's broader process to determine what a potential school building project could look like. The district update described the decision as a step toward exploring 21st-century learning environments for students and educators.
A Facilities Master Plan Community Listening Session is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 7. The session will focus on municipal and community buildings as the town develops a long-range plan for its facilities.
Dedham High School's production of "Frozen" runs Nov. 13–15, with tickets on sale through the school's performing arts page.
