In presenting the award, Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley lauded Warwick’s educational excellence at local and national levels, highlighting Warwick’s role in leading a Blue-Ribbon Award-winning school as principal, and his tenure as superintendent marked by a collaborative, data-driven approach.
Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler described Warwick as a contributor to Massachusetts' educational success narrative, emphasizing his impact on the educational landscape and legacy of leaving the “education vocation better than you found it.”
In his acceptance of the award, Warwick reflected on his lifelong commitment to education, rooted in the teachings of his parents. He expressed gratitude for the chance to be an educator in his birth city. “Growing up my father always told me that becoming a teacher was the noblest endeavor one could engage in. And as I look back, he was so right,” said Warwick.
Warwick announced his retirement on January 29th during a press conference held at Springfield City Hall. His career spans 48 years. From his beginnings as a substitute teacher, Warwick ascended through various roles, including general and special education teacher, special education supervisor, principal, and deputy superintendent. He has been noted as the city’s first “homegrown superintendent” and among the longest serving superintendents statewide.
During Warwick's 12-year tenure as superintendent, the district witnessed remarkable milestones, including an increase in the graduation rate from 56.4 percent to 84.6 percent, and reduction in the dropout rate from 10 percent to 3.9 percent. The district experienced more than $1 billion in new and improved school infrastructure; became the first in the state to pioneer free, universal pre-K access for all 3- and 4-year-olds; fostered greater staff diversity; and significantly lowered rates of school suspension and arrests.
DESE Chairwoman Katherine Craven hailed Warwick as a transformative force in education, acknowledging his impact on generations of students and educators alike.
In 2023, the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents honored Warwick with the prestigious Presidents Award, recognizing his leadership style, strategic resource utilization, and record-setting achievements in graduation and dropout rates.
Reflecting on his journey, Warwick today expressed pride in his contributions. “I am proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish together, and I will always be an advocate of Springfield Public Schools,” he said.
Attached Photo: Department of Elementary and Secondary (DESE) Board members present Warwick with the Award of Lifetime Achievement during a meeting in Everett, MA on February 27, 2024. Pictured left to right, Vice Chairman Matt Hills, Ericka Fisher, Martin West, Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Dálida Rocha, Superintendent Daniel Warwick, Chairwoman Katherine Craven, Ela Gardiner, Michael Moriarty, and Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley.
