New DHS Principal Is 'Trusted Uniformly,' Superintendent Says

DEDHAM, MA — It's safe to say that many were thrilled to hear that Jim Forrest is sticking around Dedham High School for a while.

Forrest, the interim high school principal, was named to the permanent position last month. Superintendent Michael Welch said at the May 1 school committee meeting that the decision to make Forrest the permanent principal came as a result of 13 lunch meetings with school staff and reading more than 200 parent surveys.

"It was very clear though that information that Mr. Forrest was wildly trusted, very well thought of in the community," Welch said.

The superintendent noted that the principal appears to be trusted uniformly by parents, students, and faculty.

"That to me was such a great testament to the work he's done at Dedham High School and the work he'll do in the future," Welch said.

Forrest told the school committee that there will be a focus on the vision of Dedham High School.

"We're an ever changing district. We continue to do great things, we continue to have great support from the school committee and the community as a whole," Forrest said.

Forrest is Dedham High School's 18th principal.

Image: File Photo