NORTH ADAMS — North Adams-Jerome Public Schools Superintendent Wendy Moore will officially begin in her role July 8, but she’s already started laying the groundwork for a return to the district she once called home.
Moore, a current superintendent in Idaho, has been traveling back to North Adams regularly during the transition to reconnect with her previous workplace.
“I’ve tried to come back at least once a month just to touch base, get to know staff and students, and see what I need to be working on for the upcoming school year,” Moore, a native of Hillsdale County, told The Daily News. “It really feels like coming home. I was born and raised here and did my teaching and my first administrative stint at North Adams.
“It’s been neat to come back and see what’s changed and what’s stayed the same.”
Moore said one of her top priorities is building a stronger culture within the district. She said, while academic performance is a long-term focus, creating the right environment comes first.
“I want to build a culture where teachers want to come to work, where students feel valued and respected, and where parents trust that their kids are safe and cared for,” Moore said. “You can’t expect kids to achieve at a high level if you don’t have the culture that supports that.”
To that end, she’ll focus on improving communication between the district, families and the community. She’ll also make developing student leadership a priority, as well as strengthening internal leadership among staff.
To support teachers, the district is working with the Hillsdale Intermediate School District to expand professional development opportunities.
“We need to make sure teachers have the tools they need,” Moore said.
Five years from now, Moore hopes to see stability across the district — including reduced staff turnover.
“I’d like to see a cohesive staff where people … plan to stay long-term,” she said.
Moore said her experience working in rural districts has shaped her leadership style, emphasizing visibility and accessibility.
“You get to know your families well in a rural district,” she said. “I’m used to being out in the building, greeting kids, being visible in hallways and classrooms. Being present every day and visible in the building matters.”
Moore voiced a willingness to take on a variety of roles, including previously earning her commercial driver’s license to help address bus driver shortages.
“I wouldn’t ask our staff to do anything I wouldn’t do myself,” she said.
Moore is encouraged by the level of staff engagement at North Adams, particularly the number of teachers who’ve attended school board meetings.
“You don’t see that everywhere,” she said. “It speaks volumes that they’re invested and want to be part of the conversation.”
Over the coming weeks, Moore wants families to feel comfortable reaching out with questions, concerns and introductions.
“I’m happy to meet with anyone.”
— Contact reporter Corey Murray at cmurray@hillsdale.net or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @cmurrayhdn.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Moore focused on strong foundation as superintendent at NAJ
Reporting by Corey J. Murray, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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