Hiring Timeline Laid Out for New South Elementary School Principal

By Carol Meyer
A screening committee will be created in early 2024 to assist in the hiring of a new
principal for South School to replace Mary Eastwood, who will retire at the end of the current school year after 45 years as a Hingham Public Schools educator -- 11 of those in the principal role.

Supt. of Schools Margaret Adams expressed appreciation for Eastwood's "long career
here in Hingham. It will be hard to find a replacement to fill such big shoes," she said
recently.

The committee will be comprised of two parents, two staff members selected by the
Hingham Education Association, a School Committee member, two principals at the
elementary and secondary level, one special education Central Office administrator, one curriculum director, and two Hingham High School students.

Adams explained the timeline to the School Committee recently. A candidate profile will be developed and recruiting materials prepared in early January, followed by advertising the position starting Jan. 13, interviews in February, and identification of finalists by the middle of the month.

Finalist interviews with the leadership team will be scheduled in late February, with the appointment of the new principal in early March. The induction period will go from the beginning of April 2024 through July, leading up to the new school year.

Among the principal's many responsibilities is providing the leadership necessary to
enhance the educational development of each student, including establishing and
maintaining an "effective learning climate in the school."