Richford names Mass. Educator school principal

RICHFORD — A Boston-area school principal will be taking over the Richford High School beginning in a couple of weeks.

David Perrigo, formerly principal of the New Mission School in Roxbury, Mass., accepted the position of principal on Friday, according to school superintendent Jay Nichols.

The board interviewed four candidates from a pool of approximately 20, Nichols said.

Asked why the board had selected Perrigo, Nichols said, “It was really apparent that he connects well with kids.”

In addition, Perrigo had “impeccable” references, according to Nichols, who also cited the new principal’s experience.

An article by the Coalition for Essential Schools cited the New Mission School for its commitment to “democratic and equitable practices.” According to the article the school involved a leadership council that included students, parents and representatives from the community.

Students were included in a community court that handled the most severe discipline problems, and when the school changed from the Multi-Cultural High School to the New Mission School, students and teachers spent two weeks discussing and establishing rules for the school. "If you want people to learn to think critically about things, nothing except fundamental safety rules should be sacrosanct,” the coalition quoted Perrigo as saying.

The Richford board has offered Perrigo a one year contract.

According to Nichols, Perrigo has a farm in Glover, Vt. and was interested in relocating fully to Vermont.

Because Perrigo has to secure a Vermont license, Nichols said it would be a couple of weeks before he takes over at Richford.

The school has been without a principal following the unanticipated retirement of principal Dale Guertin earlier this month.

Perrigo could not be reached for comment today.