3 vie for top high school job

Julie Huss, The Derry News, N.H.
Updated ·3 min read

Apr. 13—LONDONDERRY — A trio of hopefuls came out recently to face school officials and the community to say why they feel they would be the best choice to lead Londonderry High School.

A community forum was held last week with three top candidates — Richard Barnes, Matthew Benson and Abbey Sloper.

The new leader will be chosen to take over the reins from current principal Jason Parent, who will leave the job July 1 to become the school district's next assistant superintendent.

Over the past two months, the process to find Parent's successor made for much application review and in person to find just the right leader through the work of a principal search committee.

The three finalists were given time at the forum to give opening statements and then fielded submitted questions ranging from curriculum, student achievement and school safety.

Finalists also spent time in the high school to meet staff and students.

For Sloper, that was a familiar scene as she currently serves as a Londonderry High assistant principal.

She said currently Parent's office is only two doors down and having the traditional and historical knowledge already in place from her current position is a plus when seeking a new principal.

"It allows for a smooth transition," Sloper said, adding Londonderry High staff "is very good at what we do" and staff tries to be the best versions of themselves to serve students and their families.

For Sloper, it's also an emphasis on serving not only the school district but the community as a whole, and that service is key to making sure students and their families get the best information and care when it comes to education.

"We are all so passionate about what we do and who we do it with," Sloper said.

Benson is the current principal of Cawley Middle School in Hooksett, saying that experience and leadership would serve him well in a high school setting.

He is also familiar with the school district as Hooksett sends a number of students to Londonderry to attend high school.

Benson said assuring a smooth transition from middle school to high school is a strength he is proud of.

Benson added Londonderry and Hooksett have similar cultures in the classrooms and beyond.

"It's how we celebrate students and staff," he said.

Benson, who also is a coach, said working to make sure the students are totally well-rounded is also key. That includes a focus on extra-curricular activities.

"If I become (your principal) I'll change from green and white to bleeding the colors of Londonderry High School," he said.

For Barnes, it's his experience as a former principal for Hollis-Brookline High School and also years spent as an assistant principal in several school districts that could serve Londonderry well if he is chosen, he said.

Barnes agreed that in addition to being strong in academics, students need to appreciate and enjoy what's offered as co-curricular options.

"Kids learn a lot from a lot of different programs," Barnes said, adding Londonderry honors many strong traditions but also moves its students and programs forward in preparing for the future.

"I think you can do both," Barnes said.

Questions to the trio of candidates dealt with student challenges post-pandemic including mental health.

Barnes said a lot of damage was done through those pandemic times and things may not be fixed overnight.

"We have to be patient, but have to push forward," he said.

Following the forum, information gathered by the principal search committee goes into a formal recommendation to the school board, leading to a final decision.