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Superintendent-elect outlines yearlong transition plan, high school principal search
Summary
Julie Miller, superintendent-elect, presented a detailed transition plan framing 2025–26 as a year of shadowing and gradual responsibility transfer, and said the district will begin a search this fall for a new high school principal.
Stoughton Public Schools superintendent-elect Julie Miller told the school committee on Sept. 23 that she and Superintendent Dr. Joseph Baeta will work together through the 2025–26 school year to ensure “a seamless and thoughtful leadership transition” culminating with her assuming the superintendent role on July 1, 2026.
Miller described the draft “Leading Forward” plan as organized around six key areas: leadership and governance; curriculum, instruction and assessment; human resources and labor relations; finance and operations; facilities and capital projects; and community engagement. “The purpose of the plan is fivefold,” she said, naming continuity of authority, operational knowledge transfer, support for the high school principal search, relationship-building with community partners, and an equity lens on decisions.
The superintendent-elect said she will attend all school committee meetings, review district policies and the evaluation process, dive into curriculum and MCAS data, observe negotiations, and learn the district budget process and capital planning. The plan calls for a gradual release of responsibilities, with Miller shadowing through March and assuming increasing duties April–June.
High school principal search: Miller said the district will begin the search this fall with a stakeholder-informed process. The proposed timeline: organize a search committee in October and November, post the opening in November, interview candidates beginning in January, and aim to appoint a principal by February to allow spring onboarding. Miller said she would not participate in interviews but would join Dr. Baeta in the final selection decision.
Why it matters: The district emphasized continuity to avoid the “transition dip” sometimes seen when leadership changes. Miller said the approach is intended to preserve the district’s momentum academically and operationally and maintain staff morale.
Next steps: Miller and Dr. Baeta will continue biweekly meetings. Miller said she will meet with business-office and curriculum staff to review grants, the budget timeline and other operational matters; she will also lead or participate in community listening sessions during the school year.
Ending: Miller said the transition is not a title change now but a planned phase that aims to leave the district positioned “to thrive” on July 1, 2026.
