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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,

Dr. David Lussier

Superintendent of Schools

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Here’s the updated daily weather forecast for Wellesley, Mass., from Thursday, December 19 to Thursday, December 26 by Meteorologist Matthew Moll of New England Weather Consulting:

Wellesley will experience a chilly stretch from December 19 to 26. Thursday starts with rain in the morning, followed by a sharp drop in temperature and gusty winds in the evening. Snow showers are likely overnight Friday, potentially making roads slick, so be cautious. Saturday will be very cold with temperatures in the teens by evening. Sunday will bring even colder conditions with highs near 24°F. Monday will be slightly warmer but still chilly, and Tuesday will be a bit milder during the day, though still cold at night. Christmas will be cold as well, with temperatures dipping to 28°F in the evening. The week will end with a milder day on Thursday, so expect to have a number of temperature fluctuations during this forecast period.

Thursday, December 19: Rain in the morning, mainly before 10am. It will become mostly sunny by afternoon with a high near 44°F. Winds will be from the west at 8-10 mph, gusting up to 20 mph. By evening, temperatures will drop to around 25°F under mostly cloudy skies, with light north winds at 3-5mph. Be prepared for a sharp drop in temperature as it gets colder in the evening with gusty winds.

Friday, December 20: Cloudy with highs around 36°F. Winds will be from the northeast at 5-7 mph. Snow is likely overnight, especially between 8pm and 3am, with temperatures dipping to around 24°F. Be prepared for slick roads and sidewalks as light snow accumulation (coating to 1”) is possible.

Saturday, December 21: Partly sunny with a high near 31°F, and winds from the northwest at 7-9 mph. By evening, temperatures will dip to around 11°F under mostly clear skies. Bundle up if you have outdoor plans, as it will be a very cold night.

Sunday, December 22: Sunny with a high near 24°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 7-9 mph. Evening temperatures will fall to around 10°F under mostly clear skies. A very cold day, so dress warmly for any outdoor activities.

Monday, December 23: Sunny with a high near 26°F. Winds will be from the northwest at around 6 mph. Evening temperatures will dip to around 22°F under mostly clear skies, making for another chilly night.

Tuesday, December 24: Mostly sunny with highs around 37°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 5-7 mph. Evening temperatures will fall to 25°F under clear skies, so prepare for a cold night if you have outdoor plans.

Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day): Partly sunny with highs around 41°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 5-8 mph. Evening
temperatures will drop to 28°F under mostly clear skies, making for a cold Christmas night.

Thursday, December 26: Partly sunny with highs around 45°F. Winds will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph. Evening temperatures will drop to 20°F under mostly clear skies. A cold end to the week, so make sure to bundle up if you're heading out.

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