Mattapoisett Center School Principal Announces Retirement

Changes are coming to the Center School in Mattapoisett, as principal Dr. Linda Ashley has announced her retirement. Dr. Ashley will retire at the end of this current school year, but it's not without having made a lasting impact on the school community.

Decades of Leadership at Center School and Beyond

When she started her new job as principal, Dr. Ashley brought more than 35 years of experience in education to the historic Center School. Over the course of her career, she held positions as a teacher, a school leader, and a curriculum director for ages Pre-K all the way through high school. Before her time in Mattapoisett, she was a principal in the school districts of Franklin, Milford, and Norton.

Dr. Ashley's administration at Center School began on July 1, 2022 when she replaced the legendary Rose Bowman, who had served as Center School's principal for 24 years.

READ MORE: 5 Things Mattapoisett Never Knew About Rose Bowman

When it is all said and done, Ashley will have served the Town of Mattapoisett for four years as Center School principal. While her time at Center School was relatively brief, Superintendent Michael Nelson had nothing but praise for all of the important contributions Dr. Ashley has made to the culture of the Center School.

“Dr. Ashley has supported our staff with thoughtful guidance and fostered a school environment where young learners feel cared for and excited to grow,” Nelson said.

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Nelson said that during her tenure, Ashley strengthened communication with families, supported the implementation of instructional best practices across classrooms, and helped build a warm, nurturing school culture defined by collaboration, curiosity and community pride.

What Comes Next for Center School Families

Nelson said that the search for Dr. Ashley's replacement will begin after the holidays.