By Scott MacKeen
Contributor
8/21/08

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She has earned various teaching awards, including in 2001 winning the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching.
School officials praised both Jette and Spaulding for their leadership qualities.
“To be a leader, first you have to know how to follow, and they certainly have done that,” said School Committee Chair Beirne Lovely. “Both possess a tremendous amount of leadership and dedication that is of great benefit to (the school system).”
In addition to serving as assistant principal, Jette has worked as program director for the Summer Enrichment program, which offers students from grades pre-K through 12 summer classes at the high school for fun and academic credit. He served as director of transportation for the schools from 2003-2004. He began at Pierce in 1997 as a guidance counselor.
He told school officials that his overall goals will remain the same as principal.
“The main concern is still to make sure we keep students and parents connected to the school, to make sure Pierce is a welcoming place,” he said.
Superintendent Mary Gormley praised Jette for his dedication to the town.
“It gives a new meaning to rising up the ranks,” she said. “He gives more than a 100 percent. We’re really excited about working with this new team.”
She said Phelan left big shoes to fill. He was well-liked as principal by the students.
“But we welcome the new leadership,” she said.
Spaulding, who has a doctorate in educational leadership, said she has spent some time during the summer getting acquainted with the new position. She called it a “gift” to be able to meet with teachers, parents and students prior to the start of the school year.
In addition to working at the middle school level, she has experience as a teachers’ mentor, professional development worker and adjunct university professor.