‘Listener, learner’ Jennifer Scott joining principals at CCHS

Jennifer Scott spent the past four years helping school districts analyze their systems as a leadership consultant with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. 

But she found herself most energized when putting academic theory into practice.

“I realized the time that I talk most about the job that I’m currently doing is when I’m in schools,” Scott said. “I knew that I wanted to return to the day-to-day work with students and teachers and families.”

Scott joined Acton-Carlisle High School as one of its two assistant principals on July 1 and is working alongside Assistant Principal Megan Maines and co-Principals Brian Miller and Katie Stahl.

Scott brings a varied background to the new role, having worked as a substitute teacher, high school English teacher, and instructional coach. She also previously served as assistant principal in Fitchburg before moving to her statewide consulting position.

She said CCHS stood out because of its strong academic expectations and willingness to evolve.

“One of the things that drew me to Acton-Carlisle is there is this pride in tradition, and there’s also this real openness to continued growth,” she said. “They’re creative sort of outside-the-box thinkers.”

Scott succeeds former Assistant Principal Darius Green. Asked for the reason for his May departure, district spokesperson Thomas Lucey told The Acton Bridge, “We cannot comment on personnel matters.”

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‘High expectations’

As Scott met educators and students during the interview process, Scott said she was struck by the emphasis on human interaction.

“Yes, there is a commitment to high expectations,” she said. “There’s also strong support for students, and the way people talked about collaboration and community — that really resonated with me.”

She also pointed to the school’s willingness to include students in hiring. During her second interview, Scott met with a panel of students who led the conversation.

“To me, that really stood out as something that was different from some of the other places that I had been,” she said.

Although Scott arrives with experience evaluating school systems, she said her first priority will be to understand the culture of CCHS before proposing changes.

“I’m going to enter as a listener and a learner,” she said. “Strong leadership starts with understanding.”

She plans to spend her opening months getting to know students and staff and finding out what is working well and what can be improved.

Scott said she also hopes families know she prizes communication.

“I want them to know that I value relationships, and clarity, and follow through,” she said. “I care deeply about all students having access to high-quality learning experiences, athletic experiences, [and] social experiences.”

Scott said she is eager to become part of the community.

“I feel like this is a great opportunity that I’m really grateful to have,” she said. “I’m just really excited to be a part of that team and to get on board and to contribute meaningfully right away.”