By Sean Patrick Murphy
Newly appointed principal of the Harrington Middle School Kathleen Haines plans to hit the ground running when she starts September 6.
“All of my work in the district has prepared me for this position,” Haines said. “At the middle school level, the educational foundation we have built for children takes on new shape in terms of understanding, curiosity and developing interests. Harrington’s staff recognizes that and is engaged, professional and student-centered. I am very excited to be part of that wonderful energy.”
Haines’ appointment as principal of the seventh- and eighth-grade school was approved by the board of education on July 26.
Formerly a supervisor of curriculum and instruction, Haines has 14 years experience with the district as a teacher and supervisor. She taught at Hillside Elementary School for nine years and served as a gifted-education teacher at Springville and Countryside elementary schools for four years prior to becoming a supervisor in 2010.
“Ms. Haines rose to the surface from an impressive field of candidates,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Antoinette Rath said. “We received 53 resumes for the position and conducted two rounds of interviews. The selection committee included administrators and teachers. Ms. Haines was the clear choice due to her strong curriculum background and her demonstrated work ethic.
“Her knowledge of the district and its programs will afford staff and students at Harrington a smooth leadership transition,” Rath added. “We are thrilled to have someone who has proven excellence at so many levels in the past move into this leadership role at the middle school.”
Haines has conducted numerous professional development workshops in the district and has aligned both the mathematics and science curriculum to meet state standards. She designed the district’s new fourth-grade compacted math program and helped revise the gifted academic curriculum in Mount Laurel schools.
The new principal replaces Christopher Clarke who resigned in June to accept a position in another district. She will supervise more than 120 certified and support staff members in the school with just over 1,020 students.
Haines holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from West Chester University and a master’s degree in school administration from Wilmington University.
“I’ve always wanted to be a principal,” she said. “I want to make a big difference in the lives of the students and for the teachers and to serve as an instructional leader in the building.”
Haines also said she wants to foster relationships with the community and within the school and to make a difference in the students’ academic achievement.
“Right out of the gate I want to get to know everyone in the building” and interact with parents, she said.
“We want to offer differentiation and the best service and the best programs we can for the students,” Haine said. “I hope to achieve meeting the students’ needs in a large building getting to know all of our students and families.”
Board of Education President Ronald Frey also said Haines stood out during the interview process.
“She’s been with us so we know her pretty well,” Frey said. “She knows the system, she knows the kids, she’s been a teacher.
“She’s a very capable person,” he added, noting he believes she is ready to go right out of the gate.
“She will continue doing the good job that she has been doing in the district,” Frey said.
