Dr. Cari Perchase will begin on July 1

The Hopedale School Committee is pleased to welcome Dr. Cari Perchase who begins in her official role as the next Superintendent of Hopedale Public Schools on July 1. Her selection followed an extensive and thoughtful search process designed to ensure that the district identified the best possible leader to guide Hopedale into the future. 

In consultation with the community, the School Committee conducted an intensive superintendent search that included multiple rounds of interviews, full-day site visits to both Hopedale and the home districts of the three finalist candidates, community surveys, and in-person focus groups representing a wide range of stakeholders. The process concluded with public open house sessions that gave students, families, staff, and community members the opportunity to meet each finalist and provide valuable feedback. After carefully considering the input gathered throughout the process, the School Committee unanimously selected Dr. Perchase, who currently serves as Assistant Superintendent for Teaching and Learning in Bellingham Public Schools.

Dr. Perchase brings more than two decades of experience in public education and has an established reputation as a collaborative, innovative, and student-centered leader. In her current role, she oversees curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional learning, and student support systems while helping to develop and implement districtwide improvement initiatives that align educational priorities with student success. She has also led the expansion of a district Vision of a Graduate framework, strengthened Multi-Tiered Systems of Support, and co-founded a district Artificial Intelligence Committee to promote thoughtful and responsible innovation in education.

Prior to her district leadership position, Dr. Perchase served as principal of Marshall Simonds Middle School in Burlington, and previously as both principal and assistant principal of Medway Middle School. Throughout her leadership career, she has championed high-quality instruction, expanded inclusive educational practices, strengthened supports for students with diverse learning needs, and fostered school cultures built on collaboration, belonging, and high expectations. Her accomplishments include successfully leading a $22 million occupied school renovation project while maintaining continuity of learning for students and staff.

A lifelong educator, Dr. Perchase began her career as a classroom teacher before moving into administration. She earned her Doctor of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from Northeastern University, where her research focused on social justice and equity-driven leadership. She continues to contribute to educational leadership across the region through her work as co-chair of the Blackstone Valley Curriculum Consortium and as a visiting team member supporting school accreditation and continuous improvement efforts.

Throughout her career, Dr. Perchase has been recognized for her ability to build strong relationships, engage stakeholders in meaningful collaboration, and create systems that help every student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Her leadership philosophy centers on preparing students for success in college, careers, and civic life while honoring the unique strengths of each school community.

As she prepared to join Hopedale, Dr. Perchase shared her excitement about becoming part of the community and partnering with students, families, educators, staff, and residents to build upon Hopedale's longstanding tradition of excellence. 

School Committee chair Kate Guertin said, “Throughout the search process, Dr. Perchase distinguished herself as a thoughtful and student-centered leader with a strong commitment to collaboration. The School Committee is pleased to welcome her to Hopedale and looks forward to working together as we continue to support the success of our students and strengthen our school community. Even before officially beginning her role, she has already started attending community and school events, and we are grateful for the warm welcome she has received from students, families, staff, and residents as she begins building connections throughout Hopedale. The School Committee is confident that her experience, vision, and commitment to educational excellence will help shape an exciting future for Hopedale Public Schools and welcomes her warmly to the Hopedale community.”

Submitted by Hopedale Public Schools