Paula Jones named new principal at McLaughlin Middle School

Mar. 28—Paula Jones, current principal at Henry Wilson Elementary School, has been selected as the next principal of McLaughlin Middle School, replacing Bill Krantz, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

Jones came to the Manchester School District in the fall of 2020, when she was hired as principal at Wilson. Prior to that, she served as principal of Highlands Elementary School in Danvers, Mass., from 2017 to 2020.

Prior to her time in Danvers, Jones served as an instructional coach at the elementary level with Melrose Public Schools and a first- and second-grade teacher in the Marblehead, Mass., public school system.

Jones has a strong background in curriculum and is expected to bring a focus on instruction to McLaughlin, officials said.

"I am thrilled to be taking on the challenge of moving from Wilson Elementary School to McLaughlin Middle School," Jones said in a statement. "I am looking forward to getting to know and work with the staff, students and families. I will continue to bring a student-centered approach to each and every situation and decision and McLaughlin."

Jones holds a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Salem State University in administration; a Master of Education from Salem State College, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Xavier University.

"In her time at Wilson, Ms. Jones has focused on providing stability for students and staff, and has been deeply involved in the rollout of MTSS-B, the system of student supports that is now being introduced across the district," Superintendent Jennifer Gillis said in a statement. "With a diverse educational background and a strong staff already in place at McLaughlin, we feel she is ready to hit the ground running. We hope you'll join us in congratulating her on this new role."

Krantz is retiring at the end of this school year, his 12th as principal of McLaughlin and his 35th in the Manchester School District.

"We also want to take this opportunity to thank Principal Krantz for his leadership and service to our schools and community," Gillis said. "We greatly appreciate his dedication to our students."

Jones will depart Wilson Elementary as the school closes at the end of this school year.