Spera resigns from Marine Science Magnet High School
Groton — Marine Science Magnet High School Principal Nicholas Spera is resigning to take another position.
LEARN Executive Director Kate Ericson informed the school community on Wednesday of Spera's resignation, which is effective Friday.
"Dr. Spera was the founding principal of the Marine Science Magnet High School and has led the school in its growth over the last eight years," Ericson wrote in the communication to school staff, students and families. "We wish him luck in his next endeavor."
Spera said his new position would be publicly announced Thursday.
He said by phone Wednesday that it is going to be difficult to leave. "I love that school. I love the teachers there, the students and the parents, and it made this decision incredibly difficult," he said, adding that he also is grateful to LEARN.
"I'm going to miss those kids greatly but this is an exciting opportunity for myself and my career," he said.
Spera has served as the school's principal since its founding in Groton in 2011. He previously was dean of students at Guilford High School. He was named Magnet Schools of America Magnet Principal of the Year for Region 1 in 2016 and was presented with the William Cieslukowski Outstanding First-Year Principal of the Year Award from the Connecticut Association of Schools in 2012.
Spera said he was granted a request made at the end of December for personal leave due to an illness in his family and had indicated then that he would be resigning "to pursue other educational opportunities." He informed the school Saturday that he had accepted a new position and would be resigning effective Friday, Jan. 17.
Since Jan. 2, LEARN Associate Executive Director Ryan Donlon has been serving as the school's acting principal, Ericson said.
Ericson said by phone Wednesday that LEARN will be posting the position and will go through a process with families, staff and students to "make sure we get the right fit."
In her communication to parents, students and staff, Ericson said that LEARN will continue to update the school community.
"Change in a school community can be hard; however, it also brings new opportunities for a renewed commitment to positive growth," she wrote. "We greatly appreciate your patience through this transition. Marine Science Magnet High School is a strong community of educators, families, and students. LEARN is confident this strength will continue into the future."
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