North Reading School Committee launches search for new middle school principal

NORTH READING — February 23, 2026 — North Reading School Committee opens middle school principal search after 15-year leader accepts Gloucester post. Dr. O'Connell, principal of North Reading Middle School for 15 years, accepted an assistant superintendent for teaching and learning position in Gloucester, prompting Superintendent Dr. Bailey to present a compressed search timeline at the February 23 meeting: applications close March 20, interviews run March 30 through April 10, and a hire is expected at the May 11 or May 18 School Committee meeting, with a July 1 start date. Bailey noted that roughly 10 candidates had applied within days of the posting going live, calling the early interest "a credit to the work the school district is doing." The committee also received an update on the district's Student Opportunity Act progress report, due to the state by approximately April 1, including new obligations under the 2024 LEADS Act requiring a workforce diversity plan and implicit bias training for school committee members. Four donations totaling $6,517.52 — including $3,944.52 from the North Reading Diamond Club for high school batting cage equipment — were accepted 5-0.