North Andover principal hired at Andover elementary school

By Brian Messenger
bmessenger@eagletribune.com

June 10, 2009 12:09 am

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ANDOVER - Pamela Lathrop will become the next principal at High Plain Elementary School, after 20 years spent as a teacher and principal in North Andover.

Lathrop, 41, of Haverhill has served as the principal of Franklin Elementary School in North Andover since 2002. She also taught there for 12 years.

Lathrop will take over July 1 for retiring High Plain principal Brenda O'Brien. Superintendent Claudia Bach announced the hire in a letter to the school community on Monday.

"It wasn't a decision to make lightly," said Lathrop of her choice to change school districts. "I just felt it was a good time for me, a good match, and I'm glad Andover felt the same way."

The search for O'Brien's replacement began in the spring. Lathrop was chosen out of a pool of three finalists that included Barbara McKinley, early childhood director and out-of-district coordinator for the Pentucket Regional School District in West Newbury, and Tara Rossi, assistant principal at North Hampton School in North Hampton, N.H.

After having visited High Plain during the hiring process, Lathrop said the school is similar to Franklin Elementary because its parents get involved.

"I think there will definitely be some similarities," said Lathrop. "It's really a community that works together. That's something I'm used to."

Lathrop said she is a team player with "hands-on" approach to student instruction.

She said she will spend the summer getting to know parents and faculty members.

"I'm collaborative," said Lathrop. "It really takes everybody these days to run a school."

In North Andover, Lathrop served as chairwoman of the math curriculum committee that implemented a new math program at five elementary schools.

Lathrop said she is eager to use her experience with curriculum development in Andover.

Lathrop has a bachelor's degree in psychology and elementary education from Merrimack College. She earned her Master's degree at Wheelock College and a certification of advanced graduate study from Salem State College.

Lathrop said she entered college interested in political science and thought about studying to become a lawyer before changing majors and getting involved in education programs.

"I couldn't be happier," said Lathrop. "I think education was the right path for me."