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Good morning Newmarket parents, teachers, students and community members
My name is Todd Allen. At last night’s meeting the Newmarket School Board approved my appointment as interim superintendent starting today. I am honored for the opportunity to serve the Newmarket School District as we navigate through some challenging times. This morning I am hitting the ground running by spending some time with the NES and NJSHS staff and then will be engaged in interviews to fill vacant leadership positions for the remainder of the day.
I come to Newmarket after a 36 year career in the neighboring Oyster River School District. During my tenure in Oyster River I served in a variety of leadership positions, most recently serving as assistant superintendent. Some in Newmarket may also remember me from my time as principal of the high school when Newmarket was looking at the possibility of tuitioning students to Oyster River High School. During that time I served on a joint Newmarket/Oyster River committee to review options and made a few presentations to the Newmarket School Board. Throughout that process and since, I have been continually impressed with the strong commitment the Newmarket Community has for its schools.
Starting my tenure as interim superintendent in the final month of the school year gives me an opportunity to observe Newmarket schools in action prior to summer vacation. It gives me the chance to see the many wonderful end of year activities and traditions that help define the Newmarket school community. It will also give me the opportunity to start getting to know the many exceptional Newmarket educators and staff.
My entry plan for this new role is simple. Between now and the start of school next fall I want to spend as much time as I can listening to as many community members as possible. My definition of community includes parents, teachers, students, support staff, public servants and all residents of Newmarket. Hearing from all groups will help inform my thought process as we work to do what is best for the students of Newmarket.
In the spirit of openness I invite any community member with thoughts to share on the Newmarket Schools to reach out to me. If you are interested we can set up a time to connect by phone or meet in person. My email is allent@newmarket.k12.nh.us. My phone number is 603-659-5020. If I am not immediately available I will get back to you promptly.
In the coming weeks I will reach out again with a number of scheduled opportunities for community members to meet me and share thoughts. It is important that I hear from you what makes you proud to be a Newmarket Mule and what you perceive to be our biggest challenges moving forward. The Newmarket School District has a lot to be proud of but I am also a firm believer that there's always room for growth.
In closing, last June when I retired from Oyster River I did so knowing that I would take a year to reflect and then determine what professional challenge to pursue next. I knew then that my time in educational leadership wasn’t done but that I needed time to recharge the batteries before moving into the next phase of my career. As I start my new role as Newmarket Interim Superintendent a line from “February Seven” a song by the Avett Brothers keeps running through my head. I promise when we meet I won’t sing for you but the lyric goes, “Now I’m rested and I’m ready. I am rested and I’m ready to begin”.
I look forward to introducing myself to the community and working with you all to help make Newmarket Schools the best they can be.
With highest regards,
Todd Allen
Interim Superintendent
SAU #31, Newmarket