LYNNFIELD ― Karen Cronin has been appointed interim principal of the Summer Street School.
Cronin succeeds former Principal Dr. Karen Dwyer, who resigned in late August to accept a position as assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction, and accountability in the Uxbridge Public Schools.
“This is the highlight of my day,” Cronin told the School Committee. “Everything’s been great and I am so pleased to be here and am looking forward to my time here. I am looking forward to joining the team.”
Superintendent of Schools Kristen Vogel said the district had a “handful of applicants” and Cronin was one of two people who were interviewed.
“Ms. Cronin brings many years of experience, both as an elementary classroom teacher and administrator, to Lynnfield, ” said Vogel. “She comes to us with four years experience as a principal and another six in administration. The first day she met the administrative leadership team she just dove into the work and she did the same at the meet-and-greet we held for her to meet parents and students.”
Cronin spent 19 years as an elementary classroom teacher, both in general and special education. She most recently served in the Tewksbury Public Schools as principal of the North Street School, a position she held for four years. Prior to that, Cronin was an elementary school assistant principal in the Nashoba Valley Regional School District. She began her career as an elementary-school teacher, teaching at all grade levels ranging first to sixth grade. She moved on to become the assistant principal at the Center School in Stow. Cronin also taught in the Billerica and Newton districts as well as a district in Arizona.
Raised in upstate New York, near Schenectady, Cronin attended college at the State University of New York at Geneseo, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Massachusetts – Lowell. Cronin’s first day will be Wednesday, Sept. 29.
In a cover letter submitted with her application, Cronin spoke about the importance of relationships in an ever-changing world.
“This extraordinary time in our world has revealed the symbiotic relationship between teachers, families, and students and the extreme importance of the contribution of each,” she said. “As principal, it is my charge to ensure there is a well-structured path for all three groups to walk together. I bring people together to ensure the idea of their school is inclusive, dynamic, focused, high achieving, and rewarding.”
Vogel singled out Christina Perry and Nicole Hyde Bradford for their incredible leadership at Summer Street School after they were appointed, shortly before the start of school, to fill in temporarily for Dwyer, who served as principal for three years.
“As we transition to a new principal at the start of the school year I am so appreciative of everything they have done to ensure a smooth opening and beyond, while juggling additional responsibilities.”
