When Interim Superintendent Michael Shea stepped in to Dartmouth Public Schools about a year ago, it’s fair to say things were in disarray.

At the end of last school year, former Superintendent Ana Riley left to take another job, which followed the loss of three other administrators in the district. With several positions unfilled, there was some tension. Then Shea stepped in.

“All I can say is, what difference a year makes,” said School Committee Chair Christopher Oliver. “I don’t know where we would be if we had someone other than Mike Shea at the helm.”

On Monday night’s meeting of the School Committee, Oliver honored Shea on behalf of the committee, thanking him for providing leadership within Dartmouth’s six public schools.

“You came to us when the district needed you the most,” said Oliver, “and you were exactly what the doctor ordered.”

”You led the way to where the Dartmouth Public Schools are today,” added Oliver. “You rebuilt trust, improved moral and brought back a sense of pride to the district.”

With new Superintendent Dr. Bonny Gifford set to take the helm on July 1, Shea has about three weeks left on the job. He came to the district after retiring from a longtime position as Greater New Bedford Vocational Technical High School’s superintendent. Prior to coming to Dartmouth, he also served as interim superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools.

Shea thanked a number of people from all across the district, as well as students and parents, and had equally as good things to say about the School Committee.

“I am very grateful that the School Committee members supported me,” said Shea. “Without your support, the movement to have the goal 'six schools, one district' wouldn’t have happened.”

He called the group of educators in Dartmouth among “the finest he had worked with.”

“I know Dr. Gifford is coming to a place to get the support she needs to move the district forward, and the schools are getting the Superintendent they deserve,” said Shea.