Center School Principal Linda Ashley announced her plans to retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District and MA Superintendency Union #55)
MATTAPOISETT — Superintendent Michael S. Nelson announces that Center School Principal Linda Ashley plans to retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 school year.
The district will begin the search process for the next principal in the coming weeks. Superintendent Nelson will share updates with staff and families as the process moves forward.
Dr. Ashley became principal at the Center School on July 1, 2022, bringing with her more than 35 years of experience as an educator, school leader, curriculum director, and advocate for high-quality instruction and family engagement.
Before arriving at the Center School, Dr. Ashley served as a principal in Franklin, Milford, and Norton Public Schools, as well as a curriculum director supporting teaching and learning across PreK-12 grade levels. Her background includes leading a National Blue Ribbon School, guiding schools recognized for high achievement and growth, expanding professional development systems, and strengthening curriculum, data-informed instruction, and multi-tiered systems of support.
Superintendent Nelson praised Dr. Ashley’s steady leadership and the impact she has had on students, staff, and families.
“Speaking for the school district, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Dr. Ashley’s leadership at the Center School,” Superintendent Nelson said. “Since coming to the Center School, Dr. Ashley has supported our staff with thoughtful guidance, strengthened communication with families, and fostered a school environment where young learners feel cared for, encouraged, and excited to grow.”
“We are deeply grateful for her leadership,” Superintendent Nelson added. “Please join me in thanking Dr. Ashley for her service to the Center School and all of our students. We wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.”
During her tenure, Dr. Ashley strengthened communication with families, supported the implementation of instructional best practices across classrooms, and continued building a warm, nurturing school culture defined by collaboration, curiosity, and community pride.
Dr. Ashley expressed her appreciation for the Center School community and for the honor of serving the students there.
“Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional journey,” Dr. Ashley said. “I am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me and for the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary school. I am especially proud of the progress we have made together — strengthening instructional practices, nurturing a culture of belonging, and placing students’ well-being at the heart of our work. Thank you for the privilege of serving this wonderful community. The relationships and memories I’ve made here will remain among the greatest gifts of my career. I will be cheering on Center School and the entire Mattapoisett community for years to come.”
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