WINDHAM — Windham High School's dean of math, science and technology has resigned — nearly two months before the new school is scheduled to open.
Mary Fries resigned from the dean's post about two weeks ago, saying she wanted to focus on her doctoral studies at Boston University, SAU 28 Superintendent Frank Bass said.
The district has hired Windham resident Mary Anderson as the dean of mathematics and science. The district will have a separate dean of technology.
Anderson, a veteran teacher at Londonderry High School, originally was hired to teach at Windham High School in the fall. She was offered the dean's position after Fries submitted her resignation.
"Sometimes, you get lucky," Bass said. "We're sorry to see Mary (Fries) go, but thrilled to have Mary Anderson."
He said Fries is a creative person of exceptional intelligence who sees connections between academic disciplines where others may not.
On the other hand, Anderson is a very capable replacement who not only is a veteran teacher, but has worked many years as an engineer in the private sector, Bass said.
He said he expects Anderson will encourage teachers to demonstrate how math principles apply to scientific disciplines, thereby giving students real-world practical understanding.
"Kids love to say, 'Show me how that works,'" Bass said.
School Board Vice Chairman Mike Hatem said he wanted to be sure that Fries' resignation would not negatively impact the opening of the high school.
It is scheduled to open for the first day of classes Sept. 1.
But since the curriculum is largely complete and all teachers have been hired, Hatem said he doesn't see Fries' resignation as a setback.
"As someone who is changing careers (myself), I appreciate someone who understands that this career wasn't right for her, and that she wants to pursue her mathematical passions," he said.
Fries was one of the original Windham High School deans the district hired about a year ago, Hatem said.
Deans oversee curriculum, supervise teachers, and interact with school and district administrators.
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