Brockton Public Schools names new principals of Baker School, Kennedy School

BROCKTON - Baker Elementary School and Kennedy Elementary School will each have new principals next school year, Brockton Public Schools announced last week.

Jane Werb will take over as principal at the Baker School and Kelly Kistler will serve as principal of the Kennedy School, according to a July 11 press release from Brockton Public Schools.

Werb and Kistler have spent their whole careers working in Brockton Public Schools and both women are moving from roles as assistant principals within the district.

“We’re excited to have Ms. Werb and Ms. Kistler advance as leaders within our district and guide the teams atschools where they each have deep roots and experience,” Acting Superintendent James Cobbs said.

“They will no doubt build upon the great work that’s been done already at each school to support students’ learningand promote family engagement, and I look forward to seeing the contributions they’ll both make in their new roles," Cobbs said.

Jane Werb named Baker School principal

Werb has spent the last two years as assistant principal of Hancock Elementary School in Brockton. Before that, she worked at the Baker School starting in 2008 as a third-grade teacher. The Mary E. Baker School is Brockton's first-ever "green school" building that uses energy-saving technology.

“Having been a part of Mary E. Baker School for many years, I witnessed firsthand the dedication of our students, support of our families, and commitment of our staff to provide an excellent educational experience,” Werb said.

Werb started her career at Brockton Public Schools in the fall of 1995 as a health specialist at Raymond Elementary School before becoming a fourth-grade teacher for the school in 1997. Since then, she's worked as a teacher and administrator in various Brockton schools including the George School and Franklin School.

“I am eager to work alongside our school community to continue fostering a nurturing and inclusiveenvironment where each child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally," she said.

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Kelly Kistler named Kennedy School principal

Kister has served as the assistant principal of the John F. Kennedy School for the last two years. During that time, Kistler mentored incoming staff and "facilitated culturally considerate communication with families," according to the statement from the district.

Before becoming assistant principal, Kistler worked as an instructional leadership coach for the for the school, where she aided in professional development for staff, created racial literacy programs and served as a parent engagement liaison.

Kistler joined Brockton Public Schools as a fourth and sixth grade teacher at the Raymond School in 2004.

“The Kennedy is truly a special place. I am thrilled to be able to step into this new position, allowing me tosupport students academically, socially and emotionally,” Kistler said.