Meet the Brookside Principal Finalists

Three finalists for the principal position at answered questions from staff and parents on Tuesday, in interviews observed by Superintendent Robert Tremblay and Special Education Director Meg Belsito.

Tremblay is expected to make a decision within the next few weeks. has accepted a position with the Medford public schools and will leave her position at the end of the school year. A new principal will be selected and in place beginning July 1.

The candidates for Brookside principal are: Lisa Firth, now assistant principal at ; Donna Hennessy, assistant principal at Brookside; and James Kottmeier, the assistant principal and third grade inclusion teacher at Bennett Elementary School in Taunton. [Editor's Note: see attached PDF of a press release for information on each]

Each was asked the same set of questions. Here is some background on each candidate, provided by Tremblay or previous coverage, and their responses to selected issues:

Hennessy has been assistant principal for the past four years at Brookside. She previously was the adjustment counselor at the school for 11 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Westfield State College, a Master of Arts in counseling psychology from Assumption College and a master's degree in organizational management from Endicott College. She also completed a leadership licensure program as principal/assistant principal.

On resolving student crises: Hennessy said the principal needs to build a team that includes parents and teachers and staff, and turn to them when needed. "You rely on your team, and you rely on parents as part of your team."

On the importance of mentoring new teachers: Hennessy said a principal needs to be available to new staff, not just their mentor teachers, and not as a critic. "They need to know they can go to someone. They need to know they can come to us, too."

Firth has been the assistant principal at Memorial for five years and for 22 years was a physical education teacher in Milford. when she was not promoted to principal at Memorial, when its longtime leader retired. Firth earned a bachelor's degree in education from Bridgewater State University and a master's degree in educational leadership from Framingham State University. She is certified as well as a principal/assistant principal.

On establishing a positive school culture: Firth said the principal needs to establish a culture where everyone, from students to parents, feels valued and listened to. "Just like any other coach, I would look at the building as a team. I would like to see a [staff] that's respectful, comfortable, and feels rewarded."

On her philosophy of student discipline: Firth said she does not tolerate disrespect at any level, from student to teacher, teacher to student, teacher to parent. "It's very important to me. Students need to know the boundaries. Know the expectations, and good behavior will follow."

Kottmeier, who lives in Franklin, has been at Bennett School in Taunton for the past year. Previously he was a sixth grade inclusion teacher at Parker Middle School and assistant principal and second grade teacher at Leddy Elementary School, both in Taunton. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Minnesota and a master's degree in elementary education from Lesley University. He also completed a program in educational administration at Boston University.

On his philosophy of student discipline: Kottmeier said teachers and principals need to develop a strong relationship with the parents. "That's a relationship we have to build. No one knows your child better than a parent. How can we get to a better place?"

On how to take advantage of community resources: Kottmeier said that parents can provide expertise and help in programs, from designing a website to speaking to kids, but may not be invited in to share their knowledge. "It's a matter of asking. It's a matter of going to parents: what do you have, what can you give? The resources are there, it's just a matter of asking."