August 12, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Jennifer Arnold has been selected to assume the role of interim principal of Foster Elementary School effective August 10, according to Asst. Supt. of Schools Jamie LaBillois, who also chairs the Foster Interim Principal Search Committee.
Arnold was chosen to replace former Principal Beth Wilcox, who resigned recently and is now working for the Duxbury Public Schools. The committee reviewed 16 applications and interviewed six candidates, including Arnold.
Just finishing a tenure as the Assistant Superintendent of the Scituate Public Schools, Arnold began her career in 1998 as a lead teacher with the Seven Hills Charter School in Worcester before becoming a math coach with the Southbridge Public Schools in 2007.
From 2009-2011, Arnold served as the Assistant Principal of Oaks Bluffs School before becoming the principal of Jenkins Elementary School in Scituate in 2011. Arnold served in this role until her appointment as Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Scituate in 2017.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Clark University, a Master of Education Degree from Anna Maria College, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Boston University, as well as advanced coursework in education at Worcester State College.
Arnold holds current certification from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education as a Principal/Assistant Principal (PK-6 and 5-8) and Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent (All Levels).
"More important than the above professional experience and training, however, are the personal and professional qualities that Ms. Arnold brings to the position," LaBillois said in a notice emailed to the Foster School community Monday about the appointment. "From the interview, reference checking, and time spent throughout the interview process, it is quite apparent that she is the perfect fit to lead Foster Elementary for the 2021-2022 academic year."
LaBillois shared some of the qualities she brings to this position. "Ms. Arnold is passionate about students and their learning and achievement in both academic and social-emotional domains," he said. "She is focused on maintaining and building on the strong school community of staff, students, and parents and will be able to provide a strong sense of consistency and continuity to the Foster Elementary School community."
Arnold also has experience within the Massachusetts School Building Authority process and "is poised to ensure a smooth transition for Foster within this process," LaBillois stated, referring to the town seeking funds from the MSBA for a renovation or new building for Foster School. "Those qualities, coupled with the dedicated and talented faculty and staff, wonderful students, and supportive parents that already exist at Foster Elementary School make for a fantastic combination in the year ahead."
Arnold is available by email at jarnold@hinghamschools.org and will reach out to Foster School families to announce opportunities to meet her in person at the school before the start of the upcoming school year.
"I would like to thank everyone who assisted with the interim search process," LaBillois stated in the email. "Their input, wise counsel, and commitment to Foster are much valued, respected, and needed. It is easy to see how you are each one of 'Foster's Finest!'"