PEABODY — For Seith Bedard, stepping into the role of Principal at Higgins Middle School is about more than taking on a new title, it’s an opportunity to become part of a school community and build on the work already happening inside its classrooms, hallways and support systems.
After more than two decades in education, including a decade of leadership at Peabody Public Schools, Bedard has returned to the Middle School with a clear focus: supporting students, empowering staff and creating an environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.
“I am excited for the opportunity to lead Higgins Middle School and continue my time with the district,” said Bedard. “There is a strong foundation already in place with dedicated staff, student support systems and a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. My priority is to learn from the Higgins community and work collaboratively with our staff to build upon our strengths.”
Bedard comes to Higgins with an understanding of the Peabody school system and a leadership philosophy shaped by years of working with students, educators and families.
Most recently, he served as Assistant Principal at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, a position he held since 2022. In that role, he provided instructional leadership and staff support, guided school improvement projects, and coordinated schoolwide initiatives.
One initiative connected to Bedard’s approach to student support was the development of the high school’s Student Requiring Assistance (SRA) team. The team brings staff together to identify students who may be experiencing academic, behavioral or other challenges and determine how the school can best support them.
That experience is now informing Bedard’s vision for Higgins.
He plans to bring the SRA model to the middle school, working with staff to identify students who may need extra support and creating a collaborative approach to meeting those needs. The effort builds naturally on Higgins’ existing support structure, including its Student Resource and Support Center, developed in 2025, and its Behavioral Assessment Team.
“Every student, every day” is the guiding principle of Peabody Public Schools, and Bedard sees the SRA work as one way to put that commitment into practice.
His leadership experience extends well beyond his most recent role. From 2010 to 2021, Bedard served as Principal of Peabody Learning Academy, where he led the school through a comprehensive redesign focused on competency-based learning and proficiency-based grading. He also helped implement new approaches to credit recovery, advisory and restorative practices, while working to strengthen student voice and school culture.
Those experiences have shaped the way Bedard approaches school leadership today.
Rather than arriving at Higgins with the expectation of immediate change, Bedard is emphasizing collaboration and learning from the people who know the school best. A philosophy that is reflected in his theme for the year, “WE ARE.”
The phrase stands for “Work Ethic = Accountability, Responsibility, and Expectations,” highlighting the shared role students and staff play in creating a positive school environment and supporting student success.
“Higgins Middle School and its dedicated staff, support systems, academics and extracurriculars make it an important part of our district community,” said Superintendent Josh Vadala. We are excited to welcome Seith into his new role and know that his experience, leadership style and commitment will complement the outstanding work already taking place in the school.”
As Bedard begins his first year as Higgins principal, his focus is on building relationships, understanding the school community and finding ways to help its students and staff wherever they may need it.
With years of experience at Peabody Public Schools, Bedard is bringing that knowledge to Higgins, making it clear that the next chapter will be shaped together with the people who call the school home.
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