Posted on the School District website on 4/20/2023
LHS Welcomes New Principal for the First Time in Almost Two Decades
On April 18, after a lengthy and in-depth process, the School Board voted unanimously in non-public session to appoint Rick Barnes as the new Principal of Londonderry High School, starting July 1st, 2023.
Superintendent Black notes of the hire, “Knowing LHS is about to go through a big change, this is the most thorough, public, and inclusive process I have ever run to hire a principal. What was clear by the end of the process is that Rick Barnes will bring veteran leadership and expertise to help staff, students, parents, and the community work together collaboratively on its next phase as a school to continue to make gains in very specific areas. Rick brings a welcoming personality to all of these groups, possessing the energy and drive to make sure LHS will be a highly functioning school for everyone. I am excited for Rick’s tenure at LHS as he joins the very talented leadership team we have in Londonderry.”Barnes began his educational career as an English teacher in his home state of California; a few years later in 2003, he moved to New Hampshire, where he taught at Winnacunnet High School and also served as the English Department’s Team Leader. His first role as an administrator came as an Assistant Principal at Kennett High School in 2008. In 2010, he became an Assistant Principal at Hollis-Brookline High School, where he would work for over decade, and be appointed Principal in 2013.Barnes led many initiatives during his tenure at Hollis-Brookline—he facilitated a successful NEASC accreditation; developed comprehensive strategic plans for implementing 1:1 technology use, increasing curriculum rigor, and supporting a diverse range of student needs, like mental health; improved the teacher evaluation model and mentored staff; implemented a “school within a school” model to better meet a diverse range of student needs; and improved community outreach, by such means as chairing committees made up of staff, students, School Board, parents, and community members. Students, families, and faculty appreciate his calm and approachable demeanor and his ability to help students and faculty grow, which came through clearly to all the groups he met during Londonderry’s interview process.In 2021, Barnes was presented with the Hollis Memorial Veterans of Foreign Affairs Certificate of Recognition, and he was celebrated as the 2021-22 New Hampshire Association of School Principals High School Principal of the Year. The selection committee was impressed by the student, family, and staff groups who praised Barnes’ leadership style, his high standards for staff and students, his appreciation of individuality, and his steadfast commitment to keep school open and accessible during the pandemic.Barnes earned his BA in English, Masters of Education with a Leadership emphasis, and most recently, his CAGS Superintendent Licensure. Barnes was immediately drawn to Londonderry and impressed by the caliber of staff and students and the culture of our buildings. Barnes says of his appointment as Principal, “It is an honor and privilege to be the new principal of Londonderry High School. I am incredibly excited to begin collaborating with the dedicated and talented staff and supportive families as we strive to provide the best education possible for all students.”Current LHS Principal Jason Parent, who will be leaving LHS to work as the District’s Assistant Superintendent, was impressed by Barnes’ skillset and experience, and Parent is excited to help LHS transition seamlessly to its new leader this summer.