END OF AN ERA: Wilmington High Principal Linda Peters To Retire On June 30; Search For Her Replacement Begins

WILMINGTON, MA — At last month’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Dr. Glenn Brand announced that Wilmington High School Principal Linda Peters is retiring at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

“Ms. Linda Peters, long-serving principal of WHS recently submitted her intent to retire at the end of the current school year,” said Brand. “Wilmington has been the benefactor of many years of service from Ms. Peters and we certainly wish her nothing but the best as she prepares to move into the next phase of her life spending more time with her family.”

“I owe Wilmington a huge debt of gratitude for taking me in and giving me an opportunity to teach, which I love, and to lead. I will miss it,” said Peters following Brand’s announcement. 

Peters, who has been an educator in Wilmington for more than 40 years, was named Interim Principal by the late Superintendent Joanne Benton in 2013 following former Principal Eric Tracy’s departure to Hamilton-Wenham. She had been the permanent principal since 2014.

Brand outlined the timeline for the search for Wilmington High’s next principal:

• December 17: Position advertised. (Read the job posting HERE.)
• December 17: Message sent to WHS staff, students and families to gather volunteers to serve on a search committee.
• December 17: Survey sent to WHS staff, students and families to gather feedback to help assemble a profile of the qualities and characteristics that the community is looking for in the next principal.
• January 17: Applications are due.
• Week of January 24: Screening interviews are conducted.
• Week of January 31: Semi-finalists are announced.
• Week of February 7: Candidates visit Wilmington.
• Week of February 14: Search committee visits candidates’ home districts.
• Week of February 28: Finalist announced.

Minimum requirements and experience for the position include:

• Teaching experience at the high school/grade 9-12 level.
• Evidence of at least five (5) years of successful school leadership & administrative experience.
• Ability to identify, select, motivate and evaluate high-quality staff.
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability in the areas of curriculum and instruction, staff
  supervision, special education, technology.
• A strong reputation for building positive, supportive relationships with all students, staff, community members and for treating all with dignity and respect.
• Masters degree in educational administration required with doctoral degree preferred.

The new principal, who would start on July 1, will lead a school that serves nearly 700 students with a staff of approximately 125.