Mabelle B. Avery Names Next Principal

When school starts in the fall, there will be a new leader at Mabelle B. Avery Middle School in Somers.

Susan Muirhead, who has been the assistant principal at the school for the last four years and was , was offered the position on Monday and accepted it.

The Board of Education also unanimously approved her appointment at its meeting on Monday night.

“We did get some applications and I did review all the applications,” Superintendent of Schools Maynard Suffredini said. “We had one in house candidate – Sue Muirhead – and several from outside. Clearly Susan has demonstrated, not only based upon her own abilities, but in terms of her preparation for this job, that she’s the most and best qualified for this position.”

Suffredini said that he met with Muirhead on Monday and had a nice discussion with her about the philosophy of the school and the direction of where everyone would like to see the school go.

“Clearly Susan is ready to accept the position and move into it,” he said. “And we’re really pleased because I think it will be a very seamless transition for the school and I know that there’s a tremendous amount of support in the school and the community for Susan as well. I feel very fortunate that we have our best candidate with us.”

Suffredini said that he’s had the opportunity to work with Muirhead and watch her in her involvement with the school and interaction with the staff, students, and parents, and this is a good thing for the school.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have this opportunity to put Susan in this position because I think she’s going to have a terrific impact on the school,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a great time at Mabelle B. Avery School.”

Muirhead is also feeling fortunate for the opportunity.

“I thank you for the opportunity to be able to step into very large shoes in a great district with phenomenal kids and with excellent staff,” she said. “I really, really feel like this is my home and I’m thrilled at the opportunity. I work with a terrific staff and this is a great community and I feel like this is my home. I’m thrilled and honored to have been selected as the next principal of Mabelle B. Avery School. This is a phenomenal school, great kids, great parents, I have a great staff. I’m just thrilled. I couldn’t be happier.”

Muirhead said that she believes that it’s the goal of many assistant principals to eventually have their own building. Now she has her chance.

“ is a school that has taken great strides under the former principal, Nancy Barry, and I’m looking forward to continuing that path and continuing the great strides,” she said. “It’s really exciting when you know that you personally get to have an impact because of your leadership. You get to have this vision that takes staff and parents and kids to where they need to be. It’s what every administrator dreams of I think.”

Because , Muirhead isn’t sure if Barry will offer her any advice as she takes over as principal. Muirhead did say that Barry has said she’s always available if Muirhead needs anything.

She is looking forward to taking what Barry accomplished and moving it along.

“I think that every leader, every educational leader, walks their own path and has their own vision so we can build upon the foundation that we already have,” Muirhead said. “She was a great principal and our school shows. It’s a reflection of her leadership. She was a great principal and her retirement was a loss to our community. However, I’m very excited to be able to lead the school and to be able to make an impact on every student in this building.”