Baeta named next Laconia school superintendent

LACONIA — The Laconia School Board introduced Joseph Baeta as the new superintendent during a special meeting Thursday night, completing a process that went back almost a year-and-a-half.

Baeta brings 34 years of educational experience to the position, including three superintendent roles. He is currently the superintendent of the Stoughton School District in Massachusetts, and will complete the rest of the school year there. Baeta’s hiring is conditional on obtaining his New Hampshire superintendent certification, as he is currently certified in Massachusetts. His start date is July 1.

Baeta introduced himself at the meeting, and told the board how impressed he was during a tour of the school district. He said one thing he learned as he was touring the buildings was there was no lack of pride in the city's school community.

“I can feel the sense of commitment,” Baeta said. “I don’t just say that. You can feel it when you’re in the buildings.”

School pride establishes and supports a feeling of psychological freedom, Baeta said after the meeting. He said being in a place where it's allowed is important when it comes to the success of a student.

“We all learn differently, we look differently, we act differently,” Baeta said. “Pride helps with all that, and also brings a sense of community.”

Baeta has been a high school teacher, coach, adviser, and was also the academic coordinator of a vocational high school. That aspect garnered major interest in regard to the Huot Career and Technical Center, as Baeta can bring his experience to the table.

Baeta spent 10 years, in Norton, as a superintendent before heading to his hometown of Stoughton, for the last three years. He has been coming to the Granite State for the past 13 years, as has a home in Center Barnstead. He knows Laconia well.

When reading about the community and city, Baeta felt the opportunity was a scenario where everyone could benefit, so he applied.

According to a notice posted on the Stoughton district website, Baeta shared his intent to retire from the district at the end of this school year with that school board in February 2025.

“Anything between a board, a community and a superintendent is about fit,” Baeta said. “I liked a lot of it right from the bat. I love that they’re working on a portrait of a graduate as a concept, and the strategic plan. They have the plan, now we’re going to work the plan.”

The school district is currently being led by Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds, who assumed the role after the resignation of former Interim Superintendent Bob Champlin. Champlin was in the role from August 2024 to April 2025, until he took leave for health reasons, and subsequently resigned. Before that, Steve Tucker resigned for personal reasons in August 2024, after being at the helm since 2019.

The superintendent search process dates back to October 2024, when school board Chair Jennifer Anderson (At Large) started researching the steps. The next month, former Chair Nick Grennon formed a committee to make a recommendation to the board. The Bryan Group was hired in March 2025, and they collaborated to select a 14-member search committee.

“It was critical to have a search committee that was a representative group of stakeholders, including parents, teachers, staff, administrators, school board members and community members,” Anderson said.

The committee was chaired by Jen Sottak, and also included community member Thomas Goulette, Woodland Heights Principal Michaela Champlin, elementary parent Matthew Dassatti, elementary staff member Lora Friend, high school parent Cassandra Dudek, high school staff member Sara Dea, middle school parent Denise Gray, middle school staff member Courtney Spears, Wellness Program Director Amy Gregoire, Extended Learning Director Kerri Howe, LaToya Beck-Brown and Laura Dunn of the school board, and Michele Munson of the Bryan Group.

“This group invested hundreds of hours in a transparent, thoughtful and thorough process,” Anderson said. "The Laconia School Board extends its deepest gratitude to all members of the search committee, and a special thank you to committee chair Jen Sottak, who continued to support the process after the finalists were identified.”

She also thanked Hinds and Interim Assistant Superintendent Lisa Hinds for stepping into “new and expanded roles” during the transition.

Anderson said they both demonstrated “professionalism, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to students and staff.” She recognized that interim roles have unique challenges, while not only balancing continuity with progress, but also serving the district’s immediate needs.

“Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds and Interim Assistant Superintendent Lisa Hinds embraced those challenges with grace and dedication, ensuring stability across our schools while continuing to advance the district’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities,” Anderson said.

Anderson thanked each candidate for their professionalism and dedication to public education. There were eight applicants, which were narrowed down to three finalists: Baeta, Lisa Hinds, and Goffstown Assistant Superintendent Wendy Kohler. Amy Hinds did not apply for the job.

Dunn spoke about the school board’s choice, saying Baeta brings 17 years of superintendent experience, leading the Massachusetts districts of Holbrook, Norton, and Stoughton.

“He is widely recognized as a visible and trusted community leader who fosters strong school cultures grounded in high expectations, shared goals, and meaningful collaboration,” Dunn said. “Throughout his career, Dr. Baeta has demonstrated a consistent commitment to improving student outcomes and implementing programs that support student success.”

Dunn said Baeta’s leadership closely aligns with the mission of the district: “learning transfers to life beyond the Laconia School District experience so students have the confidence to lead, to follow, and to grow in order to be responsible citizens who own their future.”

Board member Karen Salome made the motion to make an employment offer, and also commented on the work put in leading to Baeta's selection as the next leader of the school district.

“There’s obviously been lots of hard work that went into this, lots of heart and soul,” Salome said.

After a 6-0 vote approving the conditional contract, Baeta thanked the board, administrators, staff and committee. He is excited for the opportunity, and said he has been since he applied. Now, he is looking forward to getting some Sachem gear, because he noticed he needs a little more red in his life.

Anderson is looking forward to the future of Laconia School District under Baeta’s leadership.

“I hope you can sense that we are excited to welcome you into our very proud and spirited community,” said Anderson.