Early Learning Center renews director search

By Geena Monahan—For the North Star Reporter

North Attleborough Public Schools is once again seeking a permanent director for the town’s Early Learning Center after an earlier search process concluded without a hire.

The leadership transition began last summer, when longtime director Amy Souls announced her retirement, effective the end of September 2025. Following her notice, district officials launched what was described as an “expedited yet comprehensive” search, which resulted in two finalists. Ultimately, both candidates declined the position for professional and personal reasons.

In the interim, Alec Ciminello — former principal of Amvet Elementary School and principal and director of preschool at Northern Lincoln Elementary School in Rhode Island — stepped in to lead the ELC for the 2025-26 school year. Now, district officials are restarting the search during the traditional hiring season in hopes of attracting a strong pool of candidates.

In a message to families, Director of Student Services Meg Camire said the district is committed to finding a leader who “brings passion and expertise in high-quality early childhood education, fosters collaboration and teamwork, and embraces an inclusive and equitable approach for all students and families.”

As part of the process, the district is forming a search committee that will review applications, conduct interviews and recommend finalists to Superintendent John Antonucci. The committee will include administrators, staff members and parent or guardian representatives.

The district is currently seeking two parents or guardians to serve on the committee. Members are required to attend all meetings, which will include an initial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, March 4, at 3:30 p.m. via Google Meet, and in-person candidate interviews at the ELC on March 9, 10 and 12.

Those interested in serving on the committee are asked to email both Camire and Assistant Director of Student Services Melissa Twohig by Monday, March 2.

Families who are unable to serve on the committee are encouraged to share input about the qualities they hope to see in the next director. District leaders said they will attend an upcoming PTO meeting to gather feedback and are also accepting comments by email or phone.

Staff members are also invited to participate in the process. 

Two ELC representatives — Amy Kiser and Tara Puccio — have already agreed to serve on the search committee. District officials are seeking one additional staff member to join them.

Antonucci, Camire and Twohig are expected to attend an upcoming faculty meeting to solicit staff input on key expectations for the role.

The ELC serves the district’s youngest learners, providing preschool programming and early childhood services. 

District administrators expressed appreciation for Ciminello’s leadership during the transition and said they are hopeful the renewed search will result in a permanent director who can build on the school’s work supporting early learners and their families.