Superintendent-elect outlines yearlong transition plan, high-school principal search timeline

Julie Miller, the superintendent‑elect for Stoughton Public Schools, presented a written “Leading Forward” transition plan to the school committee on Sept. 23 that lays out learning goals, stakeholder engagement and a timeline through her July 1, 2026 start.

Nut graf: Miller’s plan organizes transition work into six focus areas — leadership and governance; curriculum, instruction and assessment; human resources and labor relations; finance and operations; facilities and capital projects; and community engagement — and sets a specific schedule for the district’s next high‑school principal hire to avoid a leadership gap.

Miller said she and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Baeta meet biweekly and will use a gradual‑release model: she will shadow and learn through March and assume increasing responsibilities in April–June. She told the committee the plan is “designed to preserve the district's momentum and strengthen relationships and prepare for sustained success well beyond the transition.”

A highlighted component of the plan is the high‑school principal search. Miller told the committee the search committee will organize in October and November; the district will post the position around November, begin interviews in January and aims to appoint a principal in February so the new hire can be onboarded before the 2026–27 school year.

Miller also said she will conduct a review of current grant funding and meet with the business office and relevant department leaders to assess grant capacity and pursue additional external funding. She said she has already met with the district’s business office and will continue meetings with Heidi Perkins and other staff to inventory grants and identify new opportunities.

Ending: The committee did not vote on the transition plan at the Sept. 23 meeting; Miller and the superintendent will continue the scheduled shadowing and stakeholder meetings and report progress to the committee.