Witchcraft Heights Names Alumna As Principal

SALEM, MA – Salem's Witchcraft Heights Elementary School has a new principal: Leanne Smith. Smith replaces Mark Higgins, who will join the Peabody School District.

Smith holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Salem State University, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley University, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership, also from Salem State.

Smith has been employed by Salem Public Schools since 1996, when she was hired to teach Kindergarten and second grade at the Horace Mann Laboratory School. She was also a Student Teacher Supervisor at Salem State for several years.

"I believe that Leanne Smith will provide leadership and continuity as the school continues to support the academic achievement of all students and will continue to expand Witchcraft’s commitment to teaching excellence," said Margarita Ruiz, Superintendent of Schools.

Smith spent 14 years as a classroom teacher at Horace Mann before transferring to Witchcraft Heights in 2010 to serve as a kindergarten teacher. In 2011 she was promoted to assistant principal for Witchcraft. She has steadily taken on more responsibilities with curriculum, data cycles and analysis and leadership development during her tenure in the Salem Public Schools, according to a statement announcing Smith's hire.

"It will be an honor to lead the Witchcraft Heights Elementary School community into the next generation of education, while preserving and cultivating the caring and nurturing environment that has developed over the school’s history," said Smith.

Image via Salem Public Schools