Dr. Jennifer Turner outlines relationship-first approach, budget and curriculum priorities in Beverly superintendent interview

Dr. Jennifer Turner, a candidate for superintendent of Beverly Public Schools and currently serving in curriculum and instruction leadership in Melrose Public Schools, told the Beverly Public Schools Committee of the Whole on April 14 that she is a “relationship first leader” and described how she would prioritize community engagement, teacher recruitment and curriculum alignment if hired.

Turner said she spent the day visiting district schools and meeting families, and stressed two consistent themes: establishing systems for two-way communication and using data to guide academic decisions. "I am a relationship first leader," Turner said, adding that she would invite student voice onto district committees and use tools such as a regularly updated Google site and neighborhood coffees hosted by volunteers to reach families who cannot attend daytime meetings.

The interview came as the committee continues a search for a permanent superintendent. Turner told the panel she would focus on rebuilding trust after recent labor tensions while maintaining academic progress. "We have to keep our focus on what is most important and that is student learning," she said, adding that short-term success would include healing among staff and community…