New Principal Appointed for Newton's Oak Hill Middle School

Newton Superintendent David Fleishman announced today that he has appointed John Harutunian as the new principal at Oak Hill Middle School. 

Harutunian, who is currently assistant principal at Robert Adams Middle School in Holliston, will replace current Oak Hill principal Eva Thompson. 

Thompson announced earlier this year her plans to retire at the end of this school year after 37 years in Newton, four of which were spent as principal at Oak Hill.

In a letter sent to Oak Hill parents and staff Friday morning, Fleishman said Harutunian impressed the district with his passion for middle school education as well as his commitment to the academic and emotional well-being of students. 

"John is a leader who truly values school and community engagement. You can expect him to be in the classrooms at Oak Hill on a daily basis interacting with both students and faculty," Fleishman said in the letter. "John understands the importance of building a strong relationship with parents and looks forward to working with the entire community."

Read Fleishman's full letter in the .pdf section to the right.

According to the letter, Harutunian has served at his current position in Holliston for five years. Prior to that, he worked as an ESL (English as a second language) teacher and department head at the Framingham Public Schools. He also spent several years teaching in Ecuador. 

Harutunian has a bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, a master's degree from the University of Alabama and a doctorate from Boston College.

Harutunian will officially begin as Oak Hill principal on July 1, 2013.

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