District selects new leader for Willard Elementary School
Stephanie Nephew will succeed Matthew Lucey, who is retiring after serving as principal for nine years.
Schools Superintendent Laurie Hunter has named Stephanie Nephew as the next principal of Willard Elementary School.
Nephew will succeed Matthew Lucey, who is retiring after serving as principal for nine years. Hunter announced the hire in her weekly newsletter.
“Stephanie brings deep experience as a school leader and curriculum specialist, along with a clear commitment to supporting students, teachers and families,” Hunter said in the newsletter.
Nephew, in the newsletter, said that “strong schools are built through collaboration, and I look forward to getting to know the community and supporting the important work already underway.”
The appointment follows a multi-stage search process that included a screening committee and opportunities for students, families, and staff to meet finalists.
Candidates were interviewed in February, and finalists later visited the school to participate in forums and meet with community members before Hunter made her pick.
Bryn Hilts, co-president of the Willard Parent-Teacher Group and a member of the search committee, met Nephew during the process. She said Nephew’s background in literacy stood out.
The district began rolling out a research-based literacy curriculum grounded in the “science of reading” last year, aimed at improving consistency across classrooms. The program emphasizes phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension, with students engaging in shared content, discussion, and writing to build knowledge.
Nephew currently serves as grades 4-8 literacy coordinator for Westborough Public Schools.
“Her literacy background is especially important at this point as they’re rolling out a new literacy curriculum in Acton,” Hilts said. “I think her being able to sort of bring in extra support for the teachers as they learn this new curriculum will be really helpful.”
At the same time, Hilts noted the transition comes as the school community prepares to say goodbye to Lucey, adding that Nephew “has big shoes to fill.”
Hilts said Willard’s engaged parent community will play a role in the transition.
“I think everybody will welcome her with open arms and try to be as helpful in that transition as possible,” she said. “I hope she’s ready for a very active parent community.”
