"I want to do a needs assessment and get about 10 goals in place so that the community can come together and work on improvement," said D'Alessandro.

In Lee County, D'Alessandro's fouryear. "Contract for Success" program resulted in lower drop-out rates as well as increased test scores and parent participation. At the same time, D'Alessandro managed to cut the district budget by about $10 million.

"I started by focussing on children, their achievements, attendance and where to improve," D'Alessandro said. "Once you set goals and tell the public what's going on, parents and teachers get involved."

Possible changes ahead for D'Alessandro in Cambridge include reorganization of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School administration, and the addition of a middle school structure (Cambridge has no middle school currently).

"These changes are already in motion," said Grassi of the high school and middle school plans. "She'll be working with [the School Committee] to fine tune."

D'Alessandro said she hopes to have a five-year plan for changes and goals in place by January.

"We definitely need to restructure and adapt the middle school system," said D'Alessandro.

"I've been informing her of what's been happening with the [high school and middle school] initiatives," said Murphy, explaining that the two hope to coordinate the five-year program together.

"Like I said when I called to congratulate her the night of the election, she's always been my second choice," Murphy joked, "She's got lots of energy and great ideas."