Ridley Begins Year as Interim Principal At Thurgood Marshall Middle School

Interim principal Jim Ridley is pictured with vice principals Stephanie Doucette (left) and Megan Franco on the first day of the new school year Wednesday at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.

Interim principal Jim Ridley is pictured with vice principals Stephanie Doucette (left) and Megan Franco on the first day of the new school year Wednesday at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.

Jim Ridley was “taken by surprise but honored” when Supt. of Schools Dr. Catherine Latham asked him if he would be interested in becoming the interim principal of the Thurgood Marshall Middle School following the unexpected resignation of Richard Cowdell.

Ridley accepted the appointment and the 62-year-old retired administrator was at the school Wednesday welcoming back students for the 2014-15 academic year. Ridley had retired as principal/director at Lynn Tech in 2010.

Ridley will be the lead administrator for 1,000 students in grades 6-8. Stephanie Doucette and Megan Franco are the vice principals at the school.

“I’m excited to be back,” said Ridley, a 1970 graduate of Tech who has degrees from North Shore Community College (associate’s), Salem State (bachelor’s), and Cambridge College (master’s).

Ridley said he’s ready for the newest challenge in his career.

“I’m very lucky that throughout my career that I’ve taught elementary school, served as vice principal and principal of middle school, and principal/director of a high school, so I’ve taught all grade levels.”

Ridley said he will continue the philosophy that he has maintained throughout his career.

“Students are students and it’s all about getting the staff to work hard as they have been at Marshall. I’m very fortunate that Marshall is heading in the right direction so all I have to do is just keep the momentum going.”

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