The Schofield Elementary School community has been informed that Principal Jordan Hoffman, on medical leave since the start of November, has resigned.

Hoffman had been expected to return after winter break, according to a letter sent by Supt. David Lussier. “I am writing to provide an update on the status of the principalship at Schofield. I recognize that any instability in such an essential position creates a great deal of anxiety for a school community,” Lussier began.

Interim principal Elaine Harold, a longtime Fiske Elementary School principal, will continue to lead Schofield for the rest of this school year, Lussier wrote.

Lussier thanked Hoffman for her 2.5 years with the school system and wished her well in the future.

Hoffman joined Schofield as principal for the start of the 2022 school year. She had previously spent 20-plus years in the Natick Public Schools system, most recently as principal of Johnson Elementary School, which Natick shuttered earlier this year.

A search for a new principal will start in January. Lussier pledged that staff and parents will be included in the process.

The new principal will have work to do on the academic front. Schofield, and since-closed Upham, were the two lowest-performing schools based on the most recent MCAS scores, as detailed during a Wellesley School Committee meeting earlier this fall.

Full letter from Supt. Lussier to Schofield community:

Dear Members of the Schofield Community,

I am writing to provide an update on the status of the principalship at Schofield. I recognize that any instability in such an essential position creates a great deal of anxiety for a school community. As you know, Schofield Principal Jordan Hoffman has been on a medical leave since the beginning of November and was expected to return following the winter recess. Today, I share the news that Principal Hoffman has submitted her resignation and will not be returning to Schofield. I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Hoffman for her dedicated service to our district for the past 2.5 years and wish her well in the future.

Elaine Harold, who has so skillfully stepped in to serve as interim principal during Ms. Hoffman’s leave, has agreed to remain at Schofield until the end of the school year. As a former principal at Fiske for 17 years, Ms. Harold understands our community well and I am extremely grateful for her willingness to continue to guide Schofield through June.

In order to begin a process to identify and appoint the next principal for Schofield, we plan to begin a search process in January. This will include meetings with staff and parents to review the search process and timeline, an opportunity to provide feedback on a preferred profile of candidates, and a solicitation for staff and parent involvement on the interview team.

I’d also like to acknowledge that the School Committee and administration have received many letters from the Schofield community in recent weeks related to leadership, budget, and student performance issues. Please know that we take your concerns seriously and will be planning further engagement with the Schofield community in January.

Thank you in advance for your support and I hope you have a restful December break with your families.

Sincerely,