We are saddened to share that Robert “Bob” Gass, a longtime member of the Schools for Children Board of Trustees has passed away. The Town of Randolph (Mass.) lowered its flag to half-mast in honor and memory of Bob who served that community for over 40 years in numerous capacities, from a School Committee member to one of the founders of Randolph Youth Basketball.
Bringing years of experience in the field of special education, Bob was in his fourth term on our board and was serving as treasurer. A true friend of Schools for Children, Bob always extended himself to help out – whether it be as treasurer, consultant, Audit and Finance Committee member, recruiter, task force member, or as a supportive sounding board.
The Greater Boston native retired in 2011 as executive director of the Northshore Education Consortium in Beverly, Mass., after working in the fields of child welfare, mental health and special education for 42 years. Bob consulted over the past 10 years with public and private schools and agencies in the areas of evaluation of special education programs and special education services to troubled children and youth. He also helped clients develop strategies and processes to successfully partner and merge with other agencies.
Bob is past president of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools, and chair of the South Shore Charter Public School. He coached youth sports for over 35 years in his native Randolph. He held undergraduate and graduate degrees from Boston College. Bob is survived by his wife Diane, a retired primary school teacher, as well as three sons, three grandsons and one granddaughter.