HANOVER — The Dresden School Board has hired Julie Stevenson to the permanent position of Hanover High School principal, according to a Wednesday community message from SAU 70 Superintendent Jay Badams.
Stevenson, previously the school’s dean of students, has served in the interim role since July. Hanover High, which serves students from Hanover and Norwich and tuition students from other towns, has been without a permanent leader since former principal Justin Campbell resigned in 2020. Jim Logan led the school in an interim capacity last year.
This was the third time Dresden officials advertised for the position and Stevenson “presented the strongest application,” Badams wrote. Two other prospective candidates withdrew their applications before interviewing, he said.
“At a time when few are willing to take on the challenge of school leadership, I’m grateful that Julie has stepped forward to serve,” Badams wrote.
Stevenson is earning $120,000 annually under her current contract which will end on June 30, Badams said in an email. Her 2022-23 contract has yet to be negotiated.
Stevenson, a 1994 Dartmouth College graduate, has been at Hanover High for more than 20 years. In addition to her most recent roles, she has been a social studies teacher, department coordinator, associate principal and crew coach. She helped establish the school’s March intensive program. Stevenson, a Norwich resident, also is a parent and taxpayer within the Dresden district.
She and Badams are slated to hold a public meeting in the “near future” to hear the community’s aspirations, concerns and priorities for the high school.