MULTIPLE LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS IN UXBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
UXBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Community Announcement
MULTIPLE LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS IN UXBRIDGE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Dear Uxbridge Families and Community Members:
I am pleased to announce several important leadership transitions within Uxbridge Public Schools that reflect our commitment to instructional excellence, thoughtful succession planning, and strategic professional development. These transitions will strengthen our schools and ensure continuity in our mission to serve all students.
LEADERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENTS
MATTHEW BERTRAND INTERIM PRINCIPAL, WHITIN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Effective July 1, 2026, Matthew Bertrand will serve as Interim Principal of Whitin Intermediate School (Grades 4-7). Mr. Bertrand has served as Assistant Principal at Uxbridge High School since 2021, where he has been instrumental in building positive school culture, managing student support, and evaluating and supporting teaching and learning.
Prior to joining Uxbridge, Mr. Bertrand served as an Associate Headmaster at Taunton High School, where he managed administrative operations and student support services for a large secondary school. He holds Principal Licensure credentials from Massachusetts and has 12 years of classroom teaching experience in secondary education. Mr. Bertrand is a graduate of Curry College's Principal Licensure program and holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership.
Matthew's appointment is for one school year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027), after which we will evaluate whether a permanent appointment is appropriate. This interim structure allows time for thorough evaluation of fit while ensuring continuity in Whitin's leadership.
LEANNE DEMARCO - DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Effective July 1, 2026, Leanne DeMarco will be promoted to the position of Director of Teaching and Learning, a restructured district-level role that will strengthen instructional leadership across all schools. Ms. DeMarco has been the Principal of Whitin Intermediate School since June 2017 and has been instrumental in implementing high-quality curriculum frameworks (Illustrative Math, SAVVAS, OpenSciEd), developing professional learning systems, and building collaborative school culture.
In her new role, Leanne will provide PreK-12 curriculum design and instructional leadership, develop and coordinate professional learning initiatives, oversee the district's English Language Learner program, and support all buildings in implementing best practices in teaching and learning. This is a well-deserved promotion that will allow Leanne's expertise and passion for instruction to benefit our entire district.
Leanne holds a Master of School Administration from Providence College and is a graduate of Salve Regina University. She has over 20 years of experience in education, including 10 years of service to Uxbridge Public Schools. Her commitment to instructional excellence and collaborative leadership will strengthen teaching and learning across all grade levels.
DR. JENNIFER TOTH - RESIGNATION AS DIRECTOR OF PUPIL PERSONNEL SERVICES
Dr. Jennifer Toth, Director of Pupil Services, has decided to resign from her position effective at the end of the 2025-2026 school year to pursue new professional opportunities.
Dr. Toth has been a dedicated member of the Uxbridge Public Schools leadership team, contributing significantly to the development of our special education programs, student support systems, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiatives. We are grateful for her years of service and wish her well in her future endeavors.
SEARCH FOR DIRECTOR OF PUPIL SERVICES
A search for a new Director of Pupil Services will begin in late June 2026. This position is essential to our district's success in supporting students with special education needs, coordinating MTSS efforts, and managing pupil services. We will form a search committee that includes teachers, administrators, special education staff, parents, and community members.
More information about the position, the search process, and how to apply or join the search committee will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR SCHOOLS
These leadership transitions represent strategic, thoughtful planning for the future of Uxbridge Public Schools:
Continuity and Stability: Mr. Bertrand’s appointment as Interim Principal at Whitin ensures continuity in leadership while allowing time for evaluation. Ms. DeMarco's promotion to district-level instructional leadership strengthens teaching and learning across all schools, including Whitin.
Instructional Focus: Leanne's new role creates dedicated district leadership in curriculum and instruction, a priority for our schools. Her expertise will support all buildings in implementing rigorous, inclusive, culturally responsive instruction.
Succession Planning: These transitions demonstrate that we are developing strong leaders at all levels and creating pathways for advancement and professional growth.
Student Success: All three transitions (Matthew's leadership at Whitin, Leanne's instructional leadership district-wide, and continuity in pupil services) are designed to support student learning, growth, and success.
If you have questions about these leadership transitions, the search process for Director of Pupil Services, or how these changes will affect your school, please feel free to reach out to my office. I am happy to discuss these transitions and answer your questions.
Contact: David Ljungberg, Superintendent of Schools
Phone: 508-278-8648 x2002
Email: dljungberg@uxbridge.k12.ma.us
Thank you for your continued support of Uxbridge Public Schools and our students.
Respectfully,
David Ljungberg, Superintendent
Uxbridge Public Schools