New Principal at Grafton Middle School

Grafton Middle School has a new principal.

Kristen Gasper, the former assistant principal at Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury, has been named to replace Richard Lind as Grafton Middle School principal.

New Grafton Superintendent of Schools Jay Cummings made the announcement. He said he spent a day at Grafton Middle School at the end of the school year to determine the key qualities needed in a new principal there.

He said Gasper “brings to Grafton Middle School a unique blend of teaching experience and a strong track record of exceptional leadership that has been cultivated over the past fifteen years at the middle level,’’ according to a letter distributed to the school community.

“Gasper has developed an outstanding reputation built upon responsiveness, high standards and tremendous communication skills,’’ Cummings said in the letter. “I am excited to have the opportunity to hire someone of Mrs. Gasper’s caliber for this important position and I am confident that students, staff, and parents will find Mrs. Gasper to be a tremendous person, teacher, and leader.

Prior to becoming a teacher, Gasper received a bachelor’s degree from Lesley University with a major in middle school education and a minor in math and science. As a teacher she earned a master’s degree in Education from Rivier College, with a major in special education.

She has also served as a K-8 curriculum chairman in the North Middlesex Regional School District.

Gasper replaces Lind, who left Grafton after nine years to serve as principal of Bellingham Memorial Middle School. He is a resident of Bellingham.