Fall River Public Schools announces new principal for Samuel Watson Elementary School

FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley has announced that Stephanie Spillane has been appointed as Principal of the Samuel Watson Elementary School.

Spillane, who most recently was the department head for mathematics at the Fonseca Elementary School, took over the new role effective July 1.

“Principal Spillane brings more than two decades of classroom, curriculum and leadership experience to the role,” said Superintendent Curley. “She understands the contemporary challenges districts like ours face on a day-to-day basis and how to maintain a student-centric approach that creates a welcoming educational environment.”

“I’m excited to be named Principal of Samuel Watson Elementary School,” Principal Spillane said. “I look forward to introducing myself to the school community in the coming weeks and months, listening to concerns and expectations, and developing a strong path forward.”

Spillane came to Fall River after spending 16 years in the Brockton Public Schools, where she worked as a classroom teacher, instructional resource specialist, assistant principal, principal and middle school sports coach. She also taught for five years in the Avon Public Schools.

Spillane, who is married with three children, has a dual Bachelor’s degree in mathematics and educational studies from Salem State College and a Master’s in education from Fitchburg State College.

Celeste Hoeg, the principal at the Samuel Watson Elementary School in Fall River for the past five years, took the same position at Tucker Elementary School in Milton.