The following article was published in the Weekend, April 24, 2010 Edition of The St. Albans Messenger
Jennifer Wood
Fairfield names new principal
Fairfax educator now serves in Milton
By MICHELLE MONROE
Messenger Staff Writer
FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield School Board has hired Jennifer Wood, of Fairfax, currently the principal in Milton, as its new principal.
The current Fairfield principal, Jason Therrien, has accepted an assistant principal's position at the St. Albans Town Educational Center (SATEC).
"She was an outstanding candidate right from the start," said Bob Rosane, Franklin Central Supervisory Union superintendent.
Wood has been the principal of the Milton Elementary School for three years, serving as assistant
principal for two years prior to that. The Milton school has nearly 1,000 students from pre-K through sixth grade. The Fairfield school has approximately '225 students.
Wood is happy about downsizing. "I'm thrilled... 'I'll be able to know every kid by name," Wood said, adding that she is looking forward to being able to be closer to the students than her current position allows. Asked about her plans for the school, Wood said she will spend the first year learning what the faculty, parents and students want. The Fairfield school, she said, has an impressive profile with 80 percent of its students at or above grade level in reading and consistent improvement in math.
"I have a lot to find out about what they've been doing," Wood said.
One area that may attract early attention is writing. "I'm passionate about writing," Wood said, saying that good writing reflects good thinking. In her experience, Wood said, many students struggle to explain their thinking.
Wood said she has also heard wonderful things about the community of Fairfield and the relationship between the school and the community.
Wood has a background in student management and special education, Rosane said.
