PEABODY — Dr. Mark Higgins, principal of the South Memorial Elementary School, is the public schools’ new assistant superintendent for pupil personnel services.
The School Committee decided to revive the job after it had been put on hold due to budget constraints.
“I am very pleased to say that we are being able to bring this position back and that the committee is supporting this position,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Josh Vadala. “This position is designed to support staff and students to really round out the needs that we have in terms of mental-health counseling, student support and interventions.”
Vadala said Higgins was a resounding top candidate with expertise in all of those areas. He will work at the central office and have an impact on the school district’s 6,000 students.
Higgins started his career as a teacher in the Peabody Public Schools. He eventually became the assistant principal at the South Memorial Elementary School and then left the district to work at the Salem Public Schools.
In Salem, Higgins served as a principal of two different schools over a decade. Five years ago, he came back to the South School as a principal.
“His passion for education is palpable,” said Vadala. “When you are around him, you can feel that he is excited about it. He brings a great culture to the school.”
Higgins expressed his excitement about joining the district leadership team.
“Over the past few years, I have been very impressed with the strategic work that Dr. Vadala has brought to the district,” said Higgins. “He has a very clear vision of where we are going.”
There are a lot of factors that impact student learning outside of the classroom, Higgins said, and while some of them are very positive and enriching, some pose a struggle for students.
“With a lot of collaboration and communication with lots of shareholders in the district, I think that work can be done and can be done successfully,” Higgins said.
He was congratulated by all of the members of the School Committee.
“You are a parent, you are an educator, and you are a resident of Peabody,” said School Committee member Joseph Amico. “I think those three things are really important. People know who you are; people have trust in you.”
Amico said parents find in Higgins someone they can call and someone who will just listen.
“Parents are much more interested in my experience as a parent, than my educational level,” replied Higgins. “I know how things are and I can be a good resource for them and someone that is approachable and going to help solve problems.”
Two members of the School Committee, Jarrod Hochman and John Olimpio, voted against the appointment citing their opposition to revitalizing the position, not Higgins’ candidacy.
“You are going to be fantastic in this role,” said Hochman. “I am glad that you are filling the role because it makes me feel a whole lot better about the objectives of this role and that they will be accomplished.”
Hochman explained his “no” vote with his position on limited resources and how those resources should, in his view, be prioritized.
Olimpio also said that his vote was not personal in any way, but was based on a “difference of professional opinion.” Olimpio said he was looking forward to working with Higgins.