3 finalists named in school superintendent search

LACONIA — There are three finalists in the search for the next superintendent of schools, including the current Laconia School District interim assistant superintendent, a superintendent in Massachusetts, and the assistant superintendent of Goffstown.

The Laconia Superintendent Search Committee and school board have interviewed Lisa Hinds of Laconia, Joseph Baeta of Stoughton, Massachusetts, and Wendy Koehler of Goffstown, for the position. Leaders hope to have the role filled as early as Tuesday’s school board meeting.

Board Chair Jennifer Anderson said four interviews were done by the 14-person committee, which she was not part of, but comprises two school board members and a diverse group of staff and community members. The committee recommended the three candidates for the school board to interview. Anderson said they could have just made a recommendation for one, but they felt strongly about all three people who applied.

“I think it speaks volumes to the quality of the candidates,” Anderson said. “Any one of these candidates are someone they would be proud to have as a superintendent.”

Hinds has been in multiple leadership roles in Laconia schools since 2015, and is currently interim assistant superintendent. She has also been mathematics department head, academic coordinator for teaching and learning, and high school principal.

“An active member of district-wide planning, she demonstrates a capacity for engagement and collaborative leadership,” the committee wrote of Hinds in a press release. “She has a rich background in instructional quality and improving student achievement, future-ready learning, student support systems, and a deep understanding of Laconia’s schools, families, and community, and in building strong community relationships needed to support them.”

Hinds said the district has a strong teaching and learning system, but she can see gaps where changes are needed to better serve students. Her time as a classroom teacher, as well as department leader, academic coordinator and administrator, will help her achieve her goal of making Laconia an optimal district.

“I believe I am the best candidate, because I have the DNA of the city,” Hinds said. “I’ve been here 10 years, and I believe in the legacy of Laconia. But I also know where we need to make improvements.”

Baeta is currently superintendent of the Stoughton School District in Massachusetts, and has been a superintendent in Holbrook and Norton, Massachusetts, over the past 17 years. He has spent 34 years in education in the Bay State, working his way up from a teacher role to administration. Baeta has New Hampshire ties, and owns a home in Center Barnstead.

The committee sees him as a “visible and trusted community leader who focuses on building a strong culture grounded in high expectations, shared goals, and collaboration.

“With a history of improving student outcomes and implementing numerous programs to support student success, as well as a residence in the region, Dr. Baeta hopes to bring his extensive experience as a strong advocate for public education and his collaborative leadership style to Laconia as he completes his career in New Hampshire,” the committee wrote in the release.

Baeta has worked small communities, as well as urban, which he said gives him a vast range of experience. Baeta also noted he has ample experience working in vocational schools, and was intrigued by what the Huot Career and Technical Center had to offer.

Baeta met with the search committee a week ago, and had a second interview Thursday night. He said he loves the area, sees big things for the district, and hopes the committee sees him as the right person for the job.

“I think Laconia has a great community with a lot to offer, and we’ll see what they decide,” Baeta said.

Kohler has been assistant superintendent of the Goffstown School District since 2022, and before that spent nine years as principal of Goffstown Middle School. She was also assistant principal of Londonderry Middle School for four years.

“Ms. Kohler brings a history of building supportive, student-centered systems, empowering educators, and strengthening opportunities for all learners,” the committee wrote. “She is recognized for building trusting relationships, partnering with communities, and leading with integrity and transparency. She hopes to relocate to a family home in Laconia, where she has long-standing ties.”

Kohler grew up spending summers on Lake Winnipesaukee, and her family has a house in Laconia, so she has been eyeing the opportunity to make the city her home.

She sees her background as a teacher and principal as among her biggest strengths, and feels she can be integral in helping improve student test scores.

Kohler knows there has been some inconsistency at the district’s helm, and said her 13 years in Goffstown, which followed 14 years in Londonderry, show she isn’t one to jump from job to job.

“I am someone who doesn’t dip their toe in the water,” Kohler said. “I’m someone who stays and can provide consistency.”

The committee has been meeting since September, with the assistance of the Bryan Group, a consulting firm hired by the New Hampshire School Boards Association. Senior Search Consultant Michel Munson of the Bryan Group East Coast Teams has been leading the meetings to gather information about the type of candidate they want to lead the district.

The advertisement for the position stated the district is looking for a leader who champions the schools and engages in collaborative leadership. The committee is looking for effective communication and strategic problem solving skills, and someone with a focus on leadership and team building.

The committee was seeking someone with integrity, professionalism, and strong character, as stated in the advertisement. Requirements were having at least five years of experience in a school administrator role, with district-level or school system level preferred. The candidate chosen will also have, or be able to obtain, superintendent certification. Someone with experience as an educator is also preferred.

Anderson praised the search committee for their work, stressing the time and effort spent.

“To quantify the amount they have done is mind boggling,” Anderson said.

Applications were accepted by the district until Jan. 9, and the school board conducted interviews through Friday. Anderson said the hope is to have candidates tour the schools and meet as many people as possible Monday and Tuesday.

Anderson said during Tuesday’s meeting, the school board will hold a non-public session to deliberate and discuss, as well as hear from Munson on the background check process. After the board decides, they will make a job offer to the chosen candidate.

Anderson has her fingers crossed the role will be filled on Tuesday. However, if needed, the board can call a special meeting to make the choice.

Eight people applied for the position, and Munson said that in this day and age, that is a good amount. Anderson agreed, saying the pool is narrow across the state and beyond, and it's a tough job that’s difficult to fill.

Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds did not apply for the position.

Munson noted the Bryan Group is working with another New Hampshire school district for a superintendent search, and they only received six applications.

“These are three great candidates, and I think whomever the board chooses will be a good fit for the district.”