Fall River Public Schools announces Karen Wood is the new principal at Samuel Watson Elementary School

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Dr. Tracy Curley has announced the appointment of Karen Wood as the new principal of Samuel Watson Elementary School, effective July 1, 2025.

Wood, who served as vice principal at Samuel Watson Elementary for the past three years, brings nearly 20 years of dedication to Fall River Public Schools. “Ms. Wood has demonstrated a strong commitment to student success, instructional excellence, and collaborative leadership,” said Superintendent Curley. “As vice principal, she significantly advanced student achievement and fostered a positive school culture. Following a thorough selection process, we are thrilled with this appointment. Please join me in welcoming Ms. Wood to her new role as principal.”

For Wood, Samuel Watson Elementary has become “a second home.” “I love working with our students and families—they are the best,” she said. “As a small neighborhood school, we build tight-knit connections that create a true community. Our teachers and staff are deeply invested in every student’s success, both in and out of the classroom, encouraging them to excel daily. I’m excited for this new opportunity.”

Wood began her career in Fall River Public Schools as a substitute teacher at Matthew J. Kuss Middle School in 2006, transitioning to a math teacher there from 2007 to 2014. She then served as math department head at Mary L. Fonseca Elementary School for eight years. Dr. Curley noted, “In these roles, Ms. Wood provided direct instruction and coaching, led math initiatives, and supported curriculum design and teacher growth, always prioritizing student learning and equity. Her collaborative nature, organizational skills, and dedication make her an ideal leader for Watson.”

Wood enhances her professional experience with a part-time role as a math instructor at Bristol Community College since November 2024. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology with a child psychology concentration from Bridgewater State University (2007) and a Master of Education in teaching from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (2012). Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership at UMass Dartmouth.

A Fall River native, Wood resides in the city with her family, including her son and daughter, both enrolled in Fall River Public Schools.