22 October, 2012
First, I want to thank Alyson Geary for her outstanding work in Hopkinton. As everyone knows, she will be leaving her position at the end of December to begin working as an Associate Director for the Commission on Public Secondary Schools at the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). She will be working with schools across New England to help ensure high quality educational experiences for children. We all know the passion she brings to ensuring high standards for all students. The evidence of her work and commitment is seen at Hopkinton High School. She will be missed but we wish her well in the next phase of her career.
While transitions are always challenging, there is a strong team of administrators and staff in place at the high school to ensure their work continues. As we begin the process of selecting a successor, there will be two phases. The first phase will be to appoint an interim principal who will begin January 1, 2013 through the end of the school year in June. This process will begin immediately. There is a strong pool from within the district to consider and we will also reach out to other sources such as experienced retirees. This process will be completed soon to provide time to overlap with Ms. Geary and ensure a smooth transition.
The second phase will begin after the first of the year. This phase will be to find and appoint a new principal to begin July 1, 2013. Beginning the process after the first of the year will provide the best possible pool of candidates. As this process will begin after the search for a new Superintendent nears conclusion, there should be an opportunity for the new superintendent to have input in the selection.
Hopkinton High School has a tradition of excellence that I am confident will continue. We all wish Ms. Geary well and are looking forward to the next couple of months as she closes out her work here.
