In a letter to parents Tuesday, Martha’s Vineyard Superintendent of Schools Matt D’Andrea announced that Megan Farrell is the new permanent principal of the Oak Bluffs School. Ms. Farrell was named interim principal following the sudden resignation of John Rizzo after six months on the job.
“Dr. Farrell helped to navigate the transition from former principal Jacky Rizzo’s brief tenure,” Mr. D’Andrea said. “The school has not skipped a beat, and has in many ways improved as it has reached a level of stability for which any school should strive.”
He said Ms. Farrell has exhibited “excellent leadership skills and the ability to foster a positive and enriching school environment.”
Ms. Farrell has had a 19-year career at the Oak Bluffs School. She most recently was administrator for curriculum and support. Prior to that, she was a teacher and reading specialist.
Mr. D’Andrea described Ms. Farrell as “student-centered in her focus and professional in her manner.”
Mr. D’Andrea said he looked to fill the position with a skilled school leader and a person who fits the school’s unique culture. He said Ms. Farrell fit the bill on both counts. Additionally, he received positive feedback and support from the Oak Bluffs School staff.
“This is a testament to the job she has done in supporting the school over the past year,” he said.
Oak Bluffs excitement
In a phone call with The Times Wednesday morning, Ms. Farrell said she looks forward to continuing her leadership at the school. “I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity,” she said. “The Oak Bluffs School community is an amazing group of people.”
She said her 19 years of experience at the school provides her with a solid foundation on which to build as she works to help the students achieve educational excellence and grow as individuals.
Her goals include dedication to the responsive classroom philosophy — a social curriculum that values habits of goodness, kindness, citizenship, and academic excellence; giving the students an educational direction and 21st century skills; and supporting her staff.
“It truly is the staff that is so unique and so special,” she said. “Not only the teachers, but the custodians, the support staff; it’s just an amazing place to be.”
She said she is proud to be a leader in the Oak Bluffs School community, noting it has the highest number of English Language Learning and special-education students, and lowest per-pupil expenditure, on the Island.
“We are not the little school that could; we are the little school that does,” she said. “I cannot help but say that I am proud to be from Oak Bluffs.”
