New Principal Named To John Read Middle School In Redding

REDDING, CT — An alumna of Joel Barlow High School has been named the next principal of John Read Middle School, effective July 1.

The Board of Education selected Meghan Ward, currently an assistant principal at Staples High School in Westport, to the position on Tuesday.

Ward was chosen from a pool of 40 applicants in a process that included input from the community through surveys and community forums and direct participation from teachers, staff, parents, and administrators who assisted in the interview process, according to a news release.

Rydell Harrison, superintendent of schools for Easton, Redding, and Region 9, said: "Throughout the interview process, Ms. Ward quickly rose to the top of a very competitive candidate pool. Her passion for middle school students and understanding of their unique needs, proven instructional leadership and commitment to student-centered learning, and ability to build positive relationships with all stakeholders through clear and concise communication are just three of the many qualities that make her a great fit at John Read Middle School."

Ward holds degrees from Southern Connecticut State and Sacred Heart Universities. She spent the first nine years of her career teaching social studies at Staples before beginning a career in administration that led her to hold several positions in Maine before returning to Westport in 2016.

"We are excited to welcome Meghan to the John Read community," said Chris Parkin, the chairperson of the Redding Board of Education. "She has earned the trust and respect of teachers and staff and had a meaningful impact on students throughout her career. Her thoughtful and authentic approach make her ideally suited for our middle school community.”

The Board was assisted by Joseph Erardi of JE Consulting in the search.