LYNNFIELD — When students return to Lynnfield High School on Wednesday, Aug. 30, they will have a new principal. Patricia Puglisi will succeed Bob Cleary, a town native and Lynnfield High School graduate who retired in June.
“I’ve known Bob Cleary for a number of years,” Puglisi told The Daily Item a few months ago. “He’s amazing and I know that I have big shoes to fill.”
Puglisi was introduced to the School Committee in April by Superintendent of Schools Kristen Vogel. School Committee member Jamie Hayman said that Puglisi’s knowledge and experience will be assets to Lynnfield High School.
“She brings a fresh new perspective and a lot of experience in education,” Hayman said. “We are really excited to see her come to Lynnfield High School.”
Before joining Lynnfield High School, Puglisi served as the principal at Manchester Essex Regional High School for 10 years. She said that Lynnfield High School’s reputation and culture pushed her to apply for the position of principal.
“I did some research and learned about the positive reputation, student achievements, and inclusive nature at LHS,” Puglisi said. “This prompted me to submit my application. I believe in the power of strong relationships and I look forward to meeting the students, the faculty, and staff… and building relationships throughout the community.”
With children heading back to school across the country, Hayman said the district is not concerned about a potential resurgence of COVID-19.
“As a School Committee member and as a parent, COVID is in the rearview mirror,” Hayman said. “We just need to continue to push forward.”
Lynnfield High School has also received $30,000 to upgrade its basketball courts and rebuild its tennis courts as part of the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget. Town Administrator Rob Dolan said that the project is the “last piece of the high-school renovation puzzle.”
“That project will be done by the end of fall,” Hayman said. “It is very exciting because the kids will get new courts to play on in the spring.”
