Jack Higgins named Freetown-Lakeville Middle School principal; starts July 1

The Freetown-Lakeville Regional School Committee introduced Jack Higgins as the district's next middle school principal at the March 11 meeting. Higgins is scheduled to begin the role officially on July 1.

Higgins, who has served as an assistant principal in the district for the past five years, told the committee he was grateful for the opportunity and said he would build on the work of his predecessor. "I will continue to facilitate the great things put into place by my esteemed predecessor, Dave Petota, as well as to incorporate my own new ideas to ensure that all students have a safe, enjoyable, and engaging learning experience during their time in the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District," Higgins said in remarks to the committee.

The superintendent noted the district had conducted a "rigorous interview process" that included classroom and stakeholder input and said Higgins had the support of central office. The superintendent also told the committee Higgins had signed a three-year contract.

Vanessa Harvey, identified in the meeting as the district's assistant principal who will partner with Higgins, joined him for the introduction. Committee members welcomed Higgins and expressed confidence in promoting internal leadership.

Higgins said he has four children, with his oldest in fifth grade, and that the family's parallel experience with district schools would inform his perspective as principal. He acknowledged Dr. Barbara Starkey, saying she had provided significant mentorship during his administrative development.