News

CHELMSFORD, Massachusetts (Jan. 8, 2026) – In May of 2025, it was announced that South Row Elementary School first grade teacher Sarah (Krasnovsky) Costello was a finalist for Massachusetts Teacher of the Year.

What Costello didn’t know then was that the honor carried with it a $5,000 award for the school and its students.

In early December, when the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year winner was announced, Costello and South Row Principal Terri Gilbert were informed about the surprise funds, which were made available by Wellpoint, a health benefits company that sponsored the awards this year.

Costello and Gilbert will now work together to decide how the funds will be spent in a way that directly benefits the students at South Row.

“I would love to utilize the award to go towards something that can stay at school and isn’t consumable,” Costello said. “Maybe we can tie it into the MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) work that I do with South Row. I am very excited to collaborate with Terri to come up with a plan.”

Although she was surprised by the $5,000 award, Gilbert said she was not surprised when she found out Costello was named a finalist for Teacher of the Year.

“She just works so hard and I think the effort she’s put into this process is reflective of what she does every single day for her students,” Gilbert said. “I’m so happy that she got recognized to the level that she did. She’s very deserving.”

Looking back at the past nine months, Costello said she is incredibly proud to have even been considered for the award.

“The Teacher of the Year process was a rigorous and fulfilling process and I am grateful to be a part of it,” Costello shared. “So far, I’ve had an opportunity to join a professional development to grow as an educator.”

About Chelmsford Public Schools

The Chelmsford Public School District provides all students with multiple pathways to optimize their own potential for academic excellence, leadership, and social and emotional wellness. The mission of the Chelmsford Public Schools is to educate, engage, prepare, and empower well-rounded and knowledgeable learners to PERSEVERE through challenges, demonstrate RESPECT and INTEGRITY in their words and actions, are DEDICATED to their community, and display EMPATHY as global citizens while discovering and pursuing their full potential. This PRIDE-driven culture enables all members of the school community to support the growth and development of students. For more information, please visit www.chelmsfordschools.org.