The Jaffrey-Rindge School District has announced the appointment of two elementary assistant principals for Rindge Memorial School, which will make up the new leadership team for the school.

The current principal of RMS, Nicola Fraley, submitted her notice of resignation in May. She has been the principal since the 2022. She has been hired as the new prinicpal for the Greenfield Elemantary School.

Heather Dean and James Gallagher will now co-lead the school as assistant principals.

Both Dean and Gallagher are long-time employees of the district.

“I am very excited to take on administrative duties with Heather Dean at RMS. RMS is a special place with an amazing staff and community. I look forward to continuing the wonderful work that is taking place in our school,” said Gallagher.

Dean echoed this sentiment, saying, “I look forward to the administrative opportunity to work alongside Jimmy Gallagher at RMS. RMS has been my ‘home’ for the past 23 years, and I want the staff within the building to know I am invested in supporting them through this next change process. We will maintain collaborative systems where all staff and community members unite and support the academic growth of learners, so that they can thrive each day as well as shape the goals and expectations of the school.”

Dean had been with the district since 2003, including as a classroom teacher for Kindergarten, first and second grade. For the past four years, she has served as the district mentor coordinator. Dean holds a Bachelor degree in Education of Elementary Education from Plymouth State University, and a Master of School Administration from Keene State College. In 2019, she attended the 2019 Teacher Leadership Academy cohort, developed by the district in partnership with Keene State College.

Gallagher has been with the district since 2016, working as a special education teacher and case manager. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Saint Anselm College, a Master in Philosophy from Boston College, and a Master in Education in Special Education from Keene State College. Gallagher attended the Teacher Leadership Academy in 2023.

Superintendent Reuben Duncan expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, “Heather and James are both exceptional educators who understand the unique needs of our students and community. Their leadership will help us continue to provide a nurturing and invigorating learning environment at Rindge Memorial School.”

The district will hold a meet-and-greet for Dean and Gallagher at Rindge Memorial School on June 9, from 6 to 7 p.m., where parents and community members can meet the new co-leaders and discuss their vision for the school.

For more information, contact Reuben Duncan at 603-532-8122 ext. 290 or by email at r.duncan@sau47.org.