Manchester School District is pleased to announce Jessica Milligan as the principal of Southside Middle School, effective July 1, 2019.
Milligan was appointed by the Manchester Board of School Committee on Monday, June 10, 2019, after serving in the role of acting principal since April 2018. “Ms. Milligan has demonstrated her deep commitment to the students, staff, and families of Southside Middle School. We are confident that under her leadership, students will continue to be successful,” said Co-Interim Superintendent Jenn Gillis.
Milligan graduated from Champlain College with a bachelor’s degree in K-8 education and social work, and received her graduate degree in Administration and Supervision from the University of New Hampshire. She became the Assistant Principal at Southside Middle School in July 2015, where she was responsible for the oversight and management of special education programming including the program for students with social-emotional disabilities. Prior to this, she was the Assistant Principal at Maple Avenue Elementary School in Goffstown where she implemented a program for students with Autism.
Milligan has served as Acting Principal at Southside since April of last year.
“I cannot be more appreciative of the support I have received over this last year from staff, students, families, and community members. I am excited to continue the steady progress we have made as a school community with a focus on student attendance, behavior, and academics,” Milligan said. “Southside is a very special place and I will work hard to continue to ensure the safety, happiness, and success of our students each and every day.”
Kelly Espinola has been selected as the new Principal at Parker Varney Elementary School, effective July 1, 2019. Espinola was appointed by the Manchester Board of School Committee on Monday, June 10, 2019.
Espinola has a bachelor’s degree with a certification in elementary education and a master’s in education with a certification in school principal K-12. She has worked in the district for the past 17 years at several schools. She has worked as a classroom teacher at three district elementary schools: Northwest, McDonough, and Wilson. In addition, she has worked on curriculum for grades 3-5 at Wilson Elementary School.
In 2014, Espinola became assistant principal at Beech Street Elementary where she spent 3.5 years before moving to Green Acres Elementary School where she is currently the assistant principal.
“We could not be happier to have one of our experienced assistant principals moving into this role. Ms. Espinola’s deep knowledge of our district will allow her to step into her new role with ease. She is a great fit for Parker Varney’s innovative model,” said Co-Interim Superintendent Amy Allen.
Espinola is a product of the Manchester School District and when asked about her new role, she said, “I look forward to giving back so much of what has been given to me. I am excited to get to know the students, families and staff of Parker Varney!”
