Dear Oak Hill Faculty, Staff, Parents and Students,
I am announcing today the appointment of Eva Thompson as Interim Principal at Oak Hill Middle School for the 2009/10 school year. As you know Hank Van Putten will be retiring at the end of this school year. In order to fill the Oak Hill vacancy, I sought an experienced Newton educator and administrator who understands how our middle schools work. I feel that Eva is well positioned to take over the stewardship of the school next year.
As you may know, Eva has been principal at the Peirce Elementary School for the past ten years and has also worked in the Newton elementary, middle and high schools in various positions throughout her 22 years in education. She has also been an energetic and a consistent participant in several of our system-wide committees. To this interim position, she brings a calm and thoughtful intelligence, a strong love of children and an impeccable integrity.
This appointment is for the 2009-2010 school year only. Next winter, we will launch a full, formal search for a permanent principal. It will be Eva's decision as to whether or not she elects to become a candidate for the permanent position. You will be hearing more on the search process late next fall when we will be asking for input from both staff and parents about the qualities you seek in a new principal.
Until then, let me wish you all a pleasant and peaceful summer break. Please join me in congratulating Eva as she accepts this opportunity for professional growth and in supporting her as she takes on her new leadership responsibilities.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Young
Superintendent of Schools