Fall River Public Schools Announces Karen Wood as Principal of Samuel Watson Elementary School

Karen Wood was appointed as the new principal for Samuel Watson Elementary School in Fall River. (Photo Courtesy Fall River Public Schools)

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that Karen Wood has been appointed as the new principal of the Samuel Watson Elementary School.

Wood, who most recently served for three years as vice principal Samuel Watson Elementary School, will take over the new role effective July 1.

“Ms. Wood brings nearly two decades of dedication to Fall River Public Schools and a deep commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and collaborative leadership,” said Superintendent Curley. “During her time as vice principal of Watson, Ms. Wood played a key role in advancing student achievement and strengthening school culture. We’re very proud of this appointment, which followed a rigorous selection process. Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Ms. Wood into her new role as principal at Watson.”

Samuel Watson Elementary School has become “a second home” for Wood.

“I love working with our students and their families. Our students are the absolute best,” Wood said. “We are a small neighborhood school, and the close-knit environment allows for strong connections, creating a real sense of community. Our teachers and staff truly care about each student’s success, inside and outside of the classroom. It’s the kind of environment where students feel encouraged to do their best every day. I am very excited for this new position.”

Wood first came to Fall River Public schools as a substitute teacher at Matthew J. Kuss Middle School in 2006, before becoming a math teacher there from 2007 to 2014.

Her seven years as a middle school math teacher were followed by eight years as math department head at Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School.

“In these roles, Ms. Wood provided direct instruction and instructional coaching, led school-wide math initiatives, and supported curriculum design and teacher development, all while maintaining a sharp focus on student learning and equity,” Dr. Curley said. “Known for her collaborative spirit, strong organizational skills, and unwavering dedication to students and families, Ms. Wood is excited to lead her school community as principal and continue her service to Fall River with pride and purpose.”

Wood’s professional experience in the Fall River Public Schools is complemented by her ongoing commitment to adult education as a math instructor at Bristol Community College, where she has been working part-time since November 2024.

Wood received a Bachelor of Science in psychology, with a concentration in child psychology, from Bridgewater State University in January 2007. She received a Master of Education in teaching from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth in January 2012. Wood is currently enrolled in a doctoral program in educational leadership at UMass Dartmouth.

Born and raised in Fall River, Wood continues to live in the city together with her family, including a son and a daughter who both attend Fall River Public Schools.

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