Marion Saari is returning as interim principal of Highbridge Hill Elementary School in New Ipswich after the resignation of Julia Demers shortly before the first day of school for students Aug. 31.
After one year at Highbridge Hill, Demers announced her departure from the school in an Aug. 21 letter to the families of students. She cited her desire to “devote more time to [her] children during their formative years” as the reason for her departure. She also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity of being principal.
“This past year has been a wonderful experience for me, and it has been a true privilege to work alongside this talented and dedicated staff,” Demers wrote in her letter. “I am so grateful for the opportunities I have been given to grow both personally and professionally during my time here.”
According to Mascenic School Superintendent Chris Martin, Demers’ departure was not planned and was made “on her own timeline.”
“These decisions are challenging for folks who have a level of commitment for children as Principal Demers has,” said Martin.
In Demers’ absence, Saari will serve as principal on an interim basis, returning for four days a week until a permanent successor is found. She spent 42 years in the district before retiring in 2022, including as principal of the three elementary schools that served New Ipswich and Greenville before the schools combined to become Highbridge in 2011 and she became its inaugural principal.
“My focus immediately was on providing a sense of security and comfort for students, staff and families,” said Martin of filling the position after Demers’ departure. “And the most logical place to go for that was to go to the newly retired principal, Marion Saari, who graciously accepted our offer to return before a short period of time to be determined based on the applicants that applied for the job.”