Schools

New Principals Named for East Hampton High and Middle Schools

Fidler takes over at High School, Briere at Middle School.

Just two weeks following the announcement that Linda Berry would be leaving as principal of East Hampton High School, the board of education has its replacement.

And it did not have to look far.

The board appointed Middle School Principal John Fidler as the next principal at the high school effective July 1.

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“This is my 21st year living in town and 21st year working in town and I’ve always been afforded great opportunities and I’ve always been very happy to give what I could give,” Fidler said.

Fidler spent 14 years teaching at the high school before moving to the Middle School as the assistant principal. He took over as Middle School principal on July 1, 2008.

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Despite making it clear he had to close out this school year first, Fidler is looking forward to getting started on the challenges his new position will bring.

“I’m very excited about coming back up here and diving into the New England Accreditation of Schools Committee report, they’re four years out from that report,” he said. “Looking to see where we are and helping that to move forward. I know secondary school reform is a big thing in the state right now … just turning my focus to that.

will be leaving for Regional School District 13, where she will be the Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment. Having spent 16 years as principal at the high school could suggest Berry will be leaving some pretty big shoes to fill.

“Linda did a great job here,” Fidler said. “I was under her for nine years … teacher, coach and athletic director. Not really looking to replace her, just go into the position and bring whatever I can to it.

Said school superintendent Dr. Judith Golden: “We are very pleased. John will make a wonderful high school principal. It will be a smooth transition and we’re very excited about that.”

Speaking of smooth transitions, there will be another at the Middle School. The board also announced that Middle School Assistant Principal Nancy Briere will replace Fidler as principal.

Briere has been the assistant principal for one year, but has been with the district for 25 years. She was previously the District Coordinator of Mathematics K-12, as well as a long-time mathematics teacher in the district.

“John and I worked together this year, had a very successful year,” Briere said. “I love it down there at the Middle School and thrilled to be their leader next year as principal. I’m really excited about it.”

Dr. Golden was equally excited to make the appointment.

"Nancy is highly qualified to lead this school and I know she will do a wonderful job," Golden said. "Nancy has been in the district a long time and has served at the district level for a long time and she should do a wonderful job. I have every confidence she will do a very nice job."

Sustaining and continuing the work that the schools have been doing with a minimum amount of disruption was a factor for Dr. Golden, who called Briere and Fidler "really strong, highly qualified leaders."

The announcements were made at the board of education meeting held on Monday night.


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