High school principal search begins

NEW LONDON – The search for a principal for New London High School for the 2026-27 school year has begun with the position posted in search of candidates.
New London Superintendent Scott Bleck told the New London Board of Education at its Jan. 14 meeting that the position would be posted for two weeks. He also reminded the board that entering the 2025-26 academic year, the district’s high school administrative team took on different roles and the high school had interim principals.
“At that time, it was also communicated when we reached the month of December, it was anticipated we would start talking about what that process would look like to identify our next high school principal,” Bleck said.
For the principal search, Bleck said the district would take its time, gather feedback, and make the best decision for the high school.
Bleck told the board the administrative team will bring a candidate recommendation to hire to the board to consider.

The interview process would begin in early February.
“Ultimately, in mid-February, a candidate of choice or two, being presented to our board for that second-round interview,” Bleck said.
Bleck said he envisioned the interview team would consist of representation from the district’s administrative team and the high school staff. He said it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have a representative from the school board for the interview process.
“I think one member at that stage would be appropriate, knowing that the full board would have that opportunity on second round of interviews,” Bleck said.
Board President John Heideman said he would like to see more board involvement throughout the entire process to hire a high school principal.
Board member Chris Martinson recommended having two board members take part in the first round of interviews.
“Ultimately, the board sets the rules,” Bleck said. “I felt that one would be sufficient.”
Heideman said he was not sure if two board members would volunteer to participate in the first round of interviews.
“If two volunteer, or three, I think that can be accommodated,” Heideman said.
A new high school principal is scheduled to be hired at a Feb. 25 special board meeting. The anticipated start date for the candidate that is hired is scheduled for July 1.