Published November 6, 2019

By DAN TOMASELLO

LYNNFIELD — Huckleberry Hill School Interim Principal Melissa Wyland was named the lone finalist for the permanent job last week.

In a letter sent to parents and guardians, Superintendent Jane Tremblay said Wyland was the only internal candidate who applied for the permanent principal position. Wyland has been leading Huckleberry Hill School this year after former Principal Brian Bemiss left last June in order to become the next principal of Fisher Elementary School in Walpole. Bemiss led Huckleberry Hill for 10 years.

Prior to being appointed interim principal, Wyland taught first grade at Huckleberry Hill for 16 years. She taught in Melrose for two years before coming to Lynnfield. Wyland received her Masters in Education from Lesley University and received her principal license in 2012.

Tremblay said the 13-member interview committee interviewed Wyland on Oct. 30. The interview committee consists of Summer Street School Principal Dr. Karen Dwyer, Student Services Director Roberta Keane, Finance Director Tom Geary, kindergarten teacher Jayne Swirka, fourth grade teacher Elisabeth George, art teacher Kathleen Lorenzo, special education teacher Currie Pope-Konner, Digital Learning Coach Sarah Perkins, and parents Joe Attubato, Pete Smyrnios and Sarah Haney.

“During the interview, Mrs. Wyland shared her experience thus far as interim principal, including her philosophy on educating young children in 2019,” said Tremblay. “Her passion, dedication and commitment to the Huckleberry Hill community were at the center of all of her responses.”

Tremblay said the interview committee unanimously voted to name Wyland as the finalist for the Huckleberry Hill School principal job.

“I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Wyland will move on to the next step in the process,” said Tremblay. “There is a meet-and-greet scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 6:30 p.m. at Huckleberry Hill School. This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to meet Mrs. Wyland and get to know more about her leadership and vision for the Huckleberry Hill community.

In an email sent to the Villager, Wyland said she is “very excited about being named the finalist.”

“It has been an honor being the interim principal of the Huckleberry Hill School,” said Wyland. “Huckleberry Hill School is a special place and I am excited about the possibility of becoming the permanent principal.”

If Wyland has a successful meet-and-greet with parents, Tremblay could officially appoint her as permanent principal during the week of Nov. 18. If Tremblay decides to launch an external search, she recently told the Villager the principal job will be posted in December.

Wyland referred to Huckleberry Hill School as her “home away from home” during a recent School Committee meeting.

“I truly think that my 17 years in this district as a teacher and as a leader has really prepared me well for this experience,” said Wyland. “I understand the commitment to academic excellence that we have in the district. I really believe that I have been a part of creating that special culture that we have at Huckleberry Hill School.”