M.A.S.S. has presented the 2026 Dr. Christos Daoulas Award to Jason DeFalco, Ed.D.
Dr. DeFalco has served as Superintendent of Marlborough Public Schools since January 2026, after serving six months as the district’s Interim Superintendent.
Dr. DeFalco previously served for seven years as Superintendent of the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District. He also worked as Deputy Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer for New Bedford Public Schools, and principal of public schools in Worcester, Somerville, and Southbridge.
Dr. Mary Bourque, Executive Director of M.A.S.S., presented the award at the Paul J. Andrews Summer Executive Institute in Mashpee. She commended Dr. DeFalco’s “commitment to creating strong, inclusive school cultures where every student and family feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
“Jason navigates complex challenges with wisdom and compassion,” said Dr. Bourque. “Through humility, strong core values centered on belonging, and a steadfast commitment to ensuring that education remains the great equalizer, he exemplifies the very best of the superintendent profession.”
“I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. DeFalco. “It is a true privilege to serve the students of Massachusetts alongside such dedicated educators and inspiring leaders. Our students are our ‘why,’ and we are the ‘how.’ Together, let us continue to encourage, support, and empower one another as we work to turn the dreams and aspirations of our young people into reality.”
Dr. DeFalco has been active in M.A.S.S. for the past 13 years. Dr. Bourque described him as a “driving force” in the association’s Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Initiative, particularly in the development of the Guide to Getting Started with and Sustaining REDI Work. He has served on numerous other M.A.S.S. bodies, including the Mission, Vision, and Values Committee, Professional Development Committee, and co-chair of the Urban Superintendents Network.
Dr. DeFalco has been a passionate advocate for public education at the state level, serving on the Governor’s 21st Century Education Advisory Council, the New England Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Community of Practice in Education, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Accountability Redesign Committee, Influence 100, as well as serving as an instructor in the M.A.S.S./Boston College Doctoral Program and as co-chair of the Massachusetts Commission on Education Accountability and Assessment Advisory Council.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University in 2001, a Master’s degree in School Administration and Leadership from Worcester State University in 2005, and a Doctorate in Education from Johnson & Wales University in 2016.
The award is named in memory of Dr. Christos Daoulas, who served as Superintendent of the Dracut Public Schools from 1962 to 2000 and is remembered as a champion for students and families in his community. Dr. Daoulas also served on the M.A.S.S. Executive Committee and led the Harvard Roundtable for Superintendents. M.A.S.S. presents the award annually to a Superintendent for outstanding service to the association and the profession, particularly one who demonstrates skill in communication as a district leader.
