FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley is pleased to announce that Dr. Jessica Stephens, a long-time educator and leader in the Fall River Public Schools, has been appointed as the new principal of B.M.C. Durfee High School.
Known as “Dr. J” to students, she was appointed as principal effective July 1 following an extensive search process that included multiple members of the school community. She succeeds Matthew Desmarais, who has been named Director of Social Studies for Fall River Public Schools.
“Dr. Stephens brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion that will propel her in this new role,” Superintendent Curley said. “I am confident her student-centric approach will ensure that Durfee students are well-prepared for college, the workforce, or whatever challenge they pursue.”
“It is a humbling honor to receive the opportunity to lead this incredible school community. I believe firmly that all Durfee students and all Durfee staff have unique gifts to share, not only with the Durfee community but with the world at large,” Dr. Stephens said. “I am eager to leverage our current foundation to focus on a systemic culture of achievement and support; a culture where all of us grow to find comfort in a sense of accountability to one another. By aiming to instill a consistent combination of high expectations and grace, I know that we can become the best students, educators, and human beings that we can be; people who always strive to contribute to the greater good and take care of the world around us.”
Dr. Stephens graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. She earned her Master’s in social work from Boston College, and her doctorate in education from American International College.
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