New LHS assistant principal
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — Lynnfield High School has a new assistant principal.
High School Principal Patricia Puglisi recently announced that former Haverhill High School Assistant Principal Michael McLeod has been appointed as LHS’ new assistant principal. He succeeds former Assistant Principal Brian Bates, who resigned after a seven-year tenure in late June after accepting a house principal position at Malden High School.
“The situation happened quickly and was very unexpected, but I am extremely happy and excited that it did,” said McLeod. “I am grateful to be in this position, and I am looking forward to working together with the staff and students.”
McLeod recalled that Bates’ departure at the end of June coincided with former High School Principal Bob Cleary’s retirement.
“As happy as I am to begin this new chapter, I am also anxious,” said McLeod. “There are big shoes to fill with Bob and Brian, who have spent so much time here and have done so much for the school and the community.”
McLeod began his career in education working for Lowell Public Schools.
“I worked in Lowell for about 10 years, starting as a day-to-day substitute and working my way up,” said McLeod. “I spent time at the alternative high school, the middle school level and the high school.”
After leaving Lowell Public Schools, McLeod served as an assistant principal/dean at Weymouth High School for four years.
“I left there to come back to the North Shore last year,” said McLeod. “I spent last year at Haverhill High School as the assistant principal of the ninth grade, where I oversaw 611 students.”
McLeod said LHS Athletic Director/K-12 Physical Education, Health and Wellness Coordinator Mia Muzio encouraged him to apply for the high school assistant principal job.
“Mia and I worked together at Weymouth High School,” said McLeod. “We were both in a similar situation of trying to get administration experience and learning our position, all while both being North Shore kids. We both knew that we would be going back north in the future. Mia was great to me, and would reach out when job opportunities at her school would pop up. She happened to reach out after the 2022-2023 school year was over about an assistant principal position opening up at ‘the best district I have ever worked for’ called Lynnfield. From there, I did a little research and networking to learn more, but after hearing how highly Mia spoke of Lynnfield, I knew I would have to apply. I was lucky enough to be offered the position.”
McLeod has enjoyed getting to know the LHS community over the past month.
“Everyone has been welcoming and willing to help out or assist in any way they can,” said McLeod. “I can tell from all my interactions that this place is special. Everyone is smiling, and you can immediately sense the pride each person has when speaking about the schools, district and community. I have not been here long, but after the two-day Administrative Leadership Team retreat and a technology training session, I could not feel any more confident that I made the right choice. I am lucky to be in this position with a hardworking staff.”
McLeod said he and Puglisi are “both committed to maintaining and enhancing the high standards of academic excellence” at Lynnfield High School.
“I also want to focus on strong communication and family engagement to make everyone feel supported and encouraged,” added McLeod. “I also believe in the power of an inclusive environment of diversity and inclusion. I am hoping to promote cultural awareness, organize diversity events and ensure accessibility for all. I want the staff to feel empowered and supported, so they are able to excel in their roles. I also want the staff to provide input, which I think is important. I would also like to embrace technology, which will help enhance the learning experiences for both our students and our staff. Lastly, I am hoping to learn as much as possible through the administrative team and central office to continue to grow as an educator and a leader. From the short time I have spent here, there is plenty of knowledge and experience to be able to learn from and ask questions, which is exciting.”
McLeod said his goal for his first year as LHS’ assistant principal is to “establish and build connections and relationships with as many students, staff and stakeholders in the community.”
“I also would like to familiarize myself with the high school’s culture, values and community,” said McLeod. “I want to understand the existing dynamics that will allow me to integrate and build strong relationships so they feel supported and encouraged to thrive in and out of school academically, emotionally and socially. I also want to bring my girls to the LHS theater production of ‘Mean Girls’ in November.”