Jeanette Quirk Named Permanent Wilmington Middle School Principal

WILMINGTON, MA — Interim Principal Jeanette Quirk has been appointed the permanent Wilmington Middle School principal, Superintendent Glenn Brand said Wednesday.

Quirk was made the interim principal in spring, 2020 when Alexander Phillips unexpectedly left the school.

Brand noted that the school has had six different principals since the 2013-2014 school year.

"Stability and continuity for students, their families, and our staff are important for everyone and this turnover has undoubtedly impacted many things, including priority planning, the ability to advance initiatives, and the opportunity to establish a foundation for change," Brand said. "To that end, I want to share that I have decided to appoint Dr. Jeanette Quirk, as the permanent Principal, effective July 1, 2021."

Quirk has over 15 years in public educations and was made the assistant principal at Wilmington Middle School in 2016.

"I have the utmost confidence that she holds the same commitment as do I of engaging in a process of carefully reviewing the current middle school program to establish a framework for change, and to pursue opportunities that are both timely and important as we collectively ensure that the school is best meeting the needs of our students," Brand said. "Dr. Quirk recognizes that the school is at a key juncture and her embrace of the need to engage in this important work, along with her commitment to Wilmington, makes her the ideal candidate at this point in time."

Wilmington Middle School students are due to return to full-time in-person learning April 26, after spring break.

"I have also asked Dr. Quirk to embark upon an extensive learning and listening journey in the weeks and months ahead so that our staff, students, and families have the opportunity to share what they believe represent the strengths, areas of concern, and important opportunities that lie ahead for the school," Brand said. "The results of this work will be shared with the entire community as part of her entry plan."

Quirk's predecessor, Philips, went on leave in March, 2020, just a year after he joined the school.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.