By NEIL ZOLOT
NORTH READING – School Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly introduced the new High School principal, Dr. Miriam Meyer, at the School Committee meeting Tuesday, February 11.
“She brings so much to the table with administrative experience at the high school level,” Daly said in regard to Meyer’s current position as assistant principal of Ayer-Shirley Regional High School which she has held since 2018.
“I’d love to be part of this community,” she said. “It feels like a family here.”
She also recounted how students came up to her to offer assistance when she entered the High School through the wrong door. “Students have been very welcoming,” she said of her visits to the school.
Meyer also worked as a high school education team leader in Marlborough and a Special Education Director in the Hudson Public Schools. She will succeed Principal Anthony Loprete, who is retiring at the end of this school year. “It’s a great school,” School Committee member Noelle Rudloff told her. “You’re going to love it.”
Currently underway is the process to find a successor to retiring E. Ethel Little Elementary School Principal Christine Molle.
Teachers advocate for staffing needs
At the outset of Monday’s meeting during public comment, several teachers of students in grades K-2 spoke about the need for adequate staffing, including paraprofessionals, in light of the upcoming budget process.
“I’m not going to go over what might be cut, but things are getting worse, not better,” School Committee Chairman Scott Buckley reacted. “It’s important people be involved. It starts with voting. People need to vote and attend Town Meeting. Our first budget meeting is March 10 and I’d love for people to be here.”
“It’s rare to have so many people at a School Committee meeting, but it’s what all voters should hear,” Rudloff added.
“Come to School Committee meetings and make people aware of what’s going on,” board member Tim Sutherland suggested. “Low attendance at a School Committee meeting is a sign of a well-run school district, but we’re entering a critical time,” he said.