PEABODY — In a surprise move, Assistant Superintendent Christopher Lord was named principal of Veterans Memorial High School.
“Sometimes the stars just align,” he said.
Superintendent Cara Murtagh made the call Monday, just hours after offering him the job Sunday night. Lord, who never applied for the position, has served as interim principal since August. His assignment came following the sudden departure of Eric Buckley who resigned as principal at the end of the school year for “personal reasons,” after six years on the job.
Lord’s selection comes one week after a team of educators, led by Murtagh, toured the schools of two finalists. The candidates included Brooke Randall, assistant principal at North Andover High School, and Matthew Poska has been principal of the Beverly Middle School.
School Committeewoman Beverley Ann Griffin Dunne said she was stunned by the news of Lord’s selection.
“I didn’t even know his candidacy was even possible,” she said. “I was waiting word on which of the two finalists would be chosen.”
Still, she supports the superintendent’s decision.
“I can understand it,” Griffin Dunne said. “He will follow through on a number of initiatives they know are important to the school.”
Murtagh said the district was fortunate to find two capable finalists, but timing is everything. But during Lord’s few weeks on the job, it was evident he was the perfect fit, she said.
“Both candidates were wonderful and have bright futures,” she said. “But his passion, knowledge, his connectedness with kids and staff has really shown in just three weeks of school and it’s exciting,” she said. “With his background as a high school principal, we are learning a lot from him. He’s already done great work and we will continue to.”
Murtag said she did not know how much Lord will be paid in the new dual job. He joined the Peabody School District as assistant superintendent last year at starting salary $126,000 and the principal job pays in the $130,000 range.
Lord, who will hold the title of assistant superintendent for management systems and high school principal, previously served as principal at Charles E. Shea High School in Pawtucket, R.I., Andover High School, and Leominster High School.
His priorities include making sure the school is re-accredited this year, building a positive culture at the school, and getting to know the staff and students, he said.
“And of course getting back into the weeds of being a high school principal,” Lord said.
Mayor Edward Bettencourt Jr., who serves as School Committee chair, did not respond to a request for comment.
