Salem principal to become administrator in Stonington

A Groton woman who has spent the last several years as the principal at the Salem School is the new assistant superintendent of schools in Stonington.

The Stonington Board of Education chose Nikki Gullickson from the field of 30 original applicants and two finalists on Thursday. It is hoped she can start work in the middle of January.

Gullickson will replace Leanne Masterjoseph, who will take over the superintendent's job on Jan. 1. She replaces Michael McKee, who retired last summer.

School board chairwoman Gail MacDonald said Gullickson is good fit for the Stonington school system because she has taught or been a principal on all levels and also has experience with building projects and developing curriculum, the latter of which is one of the assistant superintendent's primary responsibilities. Gullickson has also worked at Bacon Academy in Colchester and Babcock Middle School in Westerly.