Published May 6, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
Next Community Schools director
LYNNFIELD — A familiar face will begin leading Lynnfield Community Schools on July 1.
Digital Learning Coach Sarah Perkins was recently appointed as the next director of Community Schools. She will succeed Michaelann Herook, who is retiring at the end of June after working for LCS for the past 20 years. Herook has served as the program’s director for the last eight years.
“I am so excited to be named the next director and feel so humbled to have been chosen,” said Perkins. “During my time in Lynnfield, I have really grown to love the community of students, parents, and school faculty and staff. I can’t wait to serve the community in this new capacity.”
Superintendent Jane Tremblay said the LCS director position was posted internally and there were three applicants. Tremblay, Finance Director Tom Geary and Huckleberry Hill School Principal Melissa Wyland interviewed the three candidates, and decided to offer Perkins the job.
“Sarah is looking for further leadership opportunities, and we believe she is ready for this next step in her career,” said Tremblay, who is also retiring in June. “She has some really interesting ideas about expanding Lynnfield Community Schools. I think she will do a phenomenal job.”
Perkins has served as the district’s digital learning coach for the past five years. During that time, she has worked on Community Schools’ theater programs under the direction of middle school media specialist Becky Petrin and Lynnfield High English teacher Joey Puleo. She worked for Community Schools’ Summer of Fun Activities’ camps as well.
“In my current role as digital learning coach, I had been looking for more leadership opportunities within the school system,” said Perkins. “When this position opened up, I was excited about the opportunity to have a leadership position in Lynnfield that would lend itself to my strengths and offer more continued opportunities for growth. One of my favorite aspects of my current role is the relationships I have developed over time with families, faculty and staff. I loved the idea of continuing these relationships in a new way.”
Perkins is currently pursuing her Educational Specialist (Ed.S) degree from Gordon College in Wenham.
“This degree is equal to a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) that other schools offer,” she said.
Perkins said her goal for Community Schools is to “create programming that will meet the needs of our students and families.”
“Before I plan on what that will look like moving forward, I will have to assess the current programming and hear from our community as to how we can enhance and build upon the current offerings,” said Perkins.
Perkins has yet to begin working with Herook and Community Schools assistant Katie Darragh as part of the transition because she has been focused on making sure remote learning is going smoothly.
“I plan to meet virtually to work with both Michaelann and Katie throughout the months of May and June to begin the transition,” said Perkins.
Educational Technology Director Stephanie Hoban recently praised Perkins for helping teachers problem-solve and troubleshoot various technology issues in order to get remote learning up and running.
“She has been amazing and deserves a round of applause,” said Hoban.
Herook is thrilled Perkins will take over Community Schools this summer.
“Sarah has worked with Lynnfield Community Schools since she began her tenure here in Lynnfield,” said Herook. “She has worked with Joey Puleo in the LCS community plays in charge of costume and scenery. Sarah has also worked as an aide in the Summer of Fun Activities programs. Her job with the Technology Department has put Sarah in all the schools, and she has gotten to know many students, which should help her ease in as director and knowing our LCS families. I wish Sarah all the best. With Katie Darragh by her side, I’m sure LCS will continue to thrive.”
Herook also thanked the School Department for the support they have provided her over the past 20 years.
“I’m excited for the next phase of my life in retirement, spending summers on the Cape and winters in Florida with family,” said Herook.