Politics & Government

Tracy Made 'Great Career Move' to Become Regional Principal

The current Wilmington High School principal is slated to take over in Hamilton-Wenham on July 1.

Eric Tracy's decision to accept the job as principal at Hamilton-Wenham Regional High School is "a great career move for him," said his current boss, Wilmington Superintendent of Schools Joanne Benton.

On Monday, Tracy was named the school's next permanent principal.

Hamilton-Wenham Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Harvey said on Tuesday that Tracy's contract has not been finalized and his pay amount not set yet.

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Wilmington, Benton said it is too soon to comment on where that district goes in a search for Tracy's replacement, but said she wishes him luck in his new role.

"I wish Mr. Tracy good luck. I believe that Hamilton-Wenham will be a good challenge for him as he takes on a regional school district for his next principalship," said Benton. "Mr. Tracy has done many wonderful things for the students, staff and parents in Wilmington and for that I am grateful."

Find out what's happening in Hamilton-Wenhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In selecting Tracy, Harvey said on Monday that “I believe Eric Tracy has the right combination of attributes necessary for leading HWRHS to new heights of excellence,” Harvey said in his announcement sent using the Connect-CTY system.

Though Tracy said he will be leaving Wilmington in a few months, he told Wilmington Patch on Tuesday that he will remain dedicated to Wilmington High School students and faculty.

"For now, I intend to perform my duties as principal of Wilmington High School until the end of my contract," said Tracy. "There is much work to be done at WHS - the anticipation and excitement generated by the new building project and related committees, the development of curriculum that is aligned with the Common Core, and the full integration of technology so that our staff and students can truly experience a 21st century education."

Tracy was one of two finalists for the position – from a pool of 37 applications submitted by the Dec. 17 deadline.

His new position will be an "exciting and unique opportunity," Tracy said on Tuesday.

"I am impressed by the rigorous academic and social expectations and standards set forth at HWRHS as well as the school’s motto to instill a passion for learning among all stakeholders," he Tracy in a statement. "During my time in Wilmington, I have developed important skills and undoubtedly learned important lessons of what it means to be an effective school administrator."

He credited the "top notch students and teachers" and support from parents and the community during his time in Wilmington.

Tracy will takeover for John Hughes, the former Natick High School principal who has been the interim principal at the Regional for the past two years. Hughes was hired on an interim basis after a past search for a permanent principal ended without selecting a candidate. Then-Interim Superintendent Peter Gray wanted to let the district’s new, permanent superintendent to make the pick, he said.


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