Oak Middle School Principal Accepts Permanent Position

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Joseph Sawyer released the following letter:

Dear Oak Middle School Families,

I am very pleased to inform you that Ann Jones has accepted my offer to serve as the principal of , removing her interim status. Overall, the feedback I received from students, staff, parents, and administrative colleagues was very positive, and the survey data I received indicated that a significant majority of parents and staff members favored appointing Mrs. Jones to the position going forward. This was very influential, given that this feedback was based upon her actual work in the role of the OMS principal (unlike situations where predictions about candidates are made based on the interview process and reference checks).

The many facets of her leadership that were cited as strengths included her strong communication skills, willingness to listen, responsiveness, decisiveness, and consistency. Her experience and expertise in middle level education (including many years in 8th grade), her high expectations for students and staff, and her understanding of the importance of a strong school culture (including her leadership regarding anti-bullying issues) were also recognized by many. Thanks to all of you who provided input, as your feedback not only helped me with this important decision, but it also has provided information that will help me to effectively support Mrs. Jones's work (including the constructive criticism that some included).

It was significant to me that, based on my personal conversations during the process, those students and parents who have worked more closely with Mrs. Jones were among the most supportive of her candidacy. Mrs. Jones assumed this important leadership role on very short notice at my request, and it is clear that her efforts have helped create a smooth transition despite a significant change in administrative personnel in the late summer. Based on the feedback from the school community and my own observations over the past six months, I am confident that as Mrs. Jones will provide strong leadership for our 7th and 8th grade program through the challenging times that are ahead.

Please join me in congratulating her, and thank you for your continued support of Oak Middle School.

Respectfully,
Joe Sawyer Superintendent of Schools

Mrs. Ann Jones' Biographical Information:

After working for several years in business at Hanover Insurance, Mrs. Jones made a career change and joined the Shrewsbury Public Schools as a 6th grade social studies teacher in 1995. Soon after, Mrs. Jones moved to 8th grade, where she taught social studies for seven years, and then was appointed as the grades 5-8 social studies curriculum coordinator in 2004. In 2006, Mrs. Jones became the assistant principal at Sherwood Middle School, where she provided leadership in that important role for five years.

Mrs. Jones holds a bachelor's degree in history from St. Anselm College and a master's degree in middle school education from Worcester State College, and she is currently studying for her doctorate in educational leadership at Northeastern University. During her time in Shrewsbury, Mrs. Jones has been involved in a variety of leadership endeavors, including directing the summer enrichment program for five years, serving on multiple curriculum and governance committees, and presenting at professional conferences. Mrs. Jones also led an anti-bullying initiative at Sherwood Middle School. She was appointed as interim principal at Oak Middle School in August 2011. Mrs. Jones resides in Shrewsbury with her husband and two children.