New High School Principal Announced At School Committee Meeting
By Donald Cronin, News Producer
March 5, 2010

Watch meeting online, indexed by agenda item

Superintendent of schools Dr. Jack Phelan began his reports to the school committee agenda item by announcing the name of the candidate who will head Hopkinton high school. Before Dr. Phelan made the announcement he told the school committee just how much is involved in an important selection of a new school principal. “The position was first posted back in December and I want to thank all the candidates who applied for the position”. The superintendent said “at the end of the day you have to make a choice and it is pretty clear to me that one candidate rose to the top”. The person I have chosen is current interim principal Alyson Geary.

Prior to making his announcement he told the committee it came down to two finalists, Alyson Geary and Dr. Sarah Ahearn who is employed at the Shrewsbury school system. “The candidates went through three rounds of interviews”. He mentioned that after the public forum which was held on Tuesday evening which gave residents an opportunity to ask the finalists questions, “I went back to my office and read all the positive feedback I received on both candidates”. He added that when he announced to the faculty his decision, he received much applause and a standing ovation.

School committee chair Nancy Burdick said “the selection process was smart and well thought out”. She added “you made a great decision”. School committee member Jean Bertschmann said “she is poised and ready”. Dr. Phelan concluded by saying the other finalist Dr. Ahearn was most gracious when she was told of his decision.