PELHAM — An educator with more than 20 years of classroom experience and more than a decade in educational administrative roles will serve as the interim principal at Pelham Elementary School.
Janet Hicks was named to the role Monday, succeeding Micki Darling, who stepped down over the summer after leading the school for five years. Darling has also worked as a special education teacher at the school since 2015.
In a message to families, Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman wrote that Hicks will be supported by Stephanie Joyce of the district’s division of Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment, to help with continuity for staff and students and so that Hicks can quickly become familiar with the school, its systems and the needs of the Pelham community.
Herman said she is excited about what Hicks and her leadership team will bring to the Pelham school.
In a public announcement, the district wrote about Hicks on Facebook, “Her collaborative approach centers on listening, building trust, supporting students and staff, and strengthening family and community partnerships.”
Hicks most recently served as assistant principal at Quabbin Regional Middle High School in Barre, after also working in Northampton and Holyoke schools.
Herman also praised Darling for her leadership.
“She stepped in and moved the school forward,” Herman said. “She will be missed and I support her in all of her endeavors.”
