WILDER — Dothan Brook School has hired an interim principal to replace Rick Dustin-Eichler, who departed last month to become the director of curriculum for Orange East Supervisory Union.
Patrick Peters, of Bradford, Vt., who has worked in public education for the past 13 years, is taking the helm at Dothan Brook, a pre-K to 5 school in the Hartford district.
“One of my greatest professional aspirations has been to serve as a school principal — and I’m thrilled to take on that role here at Dothan Brook,” Peters said in a school news release.
Peters began his career in early childhood education at White Mountain Children’s Center in Lebanon. He then taught third grade at Waits River Valley School in Corinth, and later taught math and science at Bradford Elementary School. Most recently, he held a leadership role as a mathematical instructional coach in Barre, Vt.
“I believe that every student has the potential to thrive when given the opportunity to connect with their learning in creative and relevant ways,” Peters said in the release. “That often requires thinking outside the box — and I’m excited to bring that mindset to Dothan Brook.”
For his part, Dustin-Eichler served as principal of Dothan Brook for 14 years. Early in his tenure, Vermont’s Agency of Education named Dothan Brook an “Exemplar School” three years in a row for its successful participation in a statewide positive behavior program.
Later on, Dustin-Eichler led the school through the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, he led the school as it navigated a mold problem, which delayed the beginning of the school year for 70 kindergarten and first-grade students.
“Known for a collaborative approach, Rick supports schools and principals in implementing effective systems and helping teachers use data to improve instruction,” said a recent newsletter for the district — which includes Bradford, Vt.; Newbury, Vt.; Thetford, Wells River and Waits River public schools.
Dustin-Eichler began his new role at Orange East on July 14.
In the district newsletter, Dustin-Eichler said he is “excited to get to know people and all the great things that are happening.”
