MSD welcomes two new principals and assistant principal

Superintendent of Schools Debra Livingston conditionally named the next principals of Hallsville Elementary School and Southside Middle School, pending Board of School Committee approval at next month’s scheduled meeting. Christi Michaud, currently a principal in Windham, will assume the top administrative position at Hallsville; Jennifer Gillis comes to Southside from her role as an assistant principal in Goffstown.

Michaud's is a familiar name in the Manchester School District. She was a teacher at Green Acres Elementary School for more than ten years before becoming assistant principal at Golden Brook School in Windham in 2009. She has been that school’s principal since 2012.

“I am excited to return to Manchester for the chance to lead the students and staff of Hallsville in their continued efforts toward high achievement,” said Michaud. “There is so much learning to celebrate, and the commitment to success among everyone in the Hallsville community is undeniable.”

Gillis served as assistant principal at Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown since 2008. She has more than a decade of experience teaching, mentoring, coaching and advocating for students. 

“There are many opportunities in the middle school years to prepare students for the learning and expectations ahead of them,” said Gillis. “I’m looking forward to working with students, family and staff at Southside to reach our common academic and developmental goals.”

Traditionally, new district staff members are hired only after Manchester’s Board of School Committee votes to approve the superintendent’s recommendations. The timing made it necessary for Dr. Livingston to offer the positions to Michaud and Gillis ahead of the August 11 school board meeting so that the new principals can use the rest of the summer to prepare for the school year. 

Webster Elementary School also has a new administrator. Assistant principal Kristen Withee comes to Manchester from teaching fourth grade at Windham Center School in Windham. She has 15 years of elementary experience as a teacher, mentor and instructional leader and will be a valuable addition to the team at Webster led by its principal, Christine Martin.