By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — In a surprising turn of events, Lynnfield High School Assistant Principal Brian Bates announced on Friday, June 16 that he was resigning at the end of the month.
Bates resigned from Lynnfield High on the last day of the 2022-2023 academic year after he agreed to become a house principal at Malden High School. Bates served as LHS’ assistant principal for the past seven years.
“I recently accepted a position at Malden High School and will be resigning as assistant principal at Lynnfield High School, effective June 30,” Bates stated in a letter sent to parents and guardians. “I can’t begin to express how privileged I am to have worked with such an unbelievable community of educators, students, staff and parents. Each and every one of you has taught me so much, and I can’t thank you enough. The past seven years at LHS has allowed me to grow as a person and educator. It is now time to move on to new adventures.”
Bates said in an interview with the Villager that the house principal job at Malden High was an opportunity he couldn’t turn down.
“It was an opportunity that was brought to me,” said Bates. “I kept going back-and-forth about the decision, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. It will be a great new challenge.”
Bates’ resignation will mark a significant change for LHS next year. In addition to Bates moving on, High School Principal Bob Cleary will be retiring at the end of the month. Current Manchester-Essex Regional High School Principal Patricia Puglisi will be succeeding Cleary on July 1.
“While the timing of this is not ideal, I am confident that Ms. Puglisi and whomever my replacement is will do a fantastic job at moving Lynnfield High School to greater heights,” Bates wrote in his letter to parents and guardians.
Superintendent Kristen Vogel said Bates will be missed at Lynnfield High.
“Brian has been an incredible assistant principal at LHS,” said Vogel. “His relationships with students and staff are exceptional. He is always focused on what is best for students every day. We wish him nothing but the best.”
Prior to joining the LHS team, Bates worked as a teacher, assistant principal and school director at Lawrence High School. He said working at Lynnfield High School for the past seven years has been an enjoyable experience.
“It has been a great ride,” said Bates. “I appreciate all of the students, faculty, staff and parents for helping me become a better educator. Change can be hard, but the high school is in good hands with Ms. Puglisi.”
Vogel said the LHS assistant principal job will be posted this week. She said Puglisi will be forming an interview committee that will be comprised of educators and students to find Bates’ successor.