Education
Fall River Public Schools names “Dr. J” as new principal for B.M.C. Durfee High School
FALL RIVER — Superintendent Tracy Curley has announced that Dr. Jessica Stephens, a long-time educator and leader in the Fall River Public Schools, has been appointed as the new principal of B.M.C. Durfee High School.
Known as “Dr. J” to students, she was appointed as principal effective July 1 following an extensive search process that included multiple members of the school community, according to Curley. She succeeds Matthew Desmarais, who has been named Director of Social Studies for Fall River Public Schools.
“Dr. Stephens brings a wealth of experience, dedication and passion that will propel her in this new role,” Superintendent Curley said. “I am confident her student-centric approach will ensure that Durfee students are well-prepared for college, the workforce, or whatever challenge they pursue.”
“It is a humbling honor to receive the opportunity to lead this incredible school community. I believe firmly that all Durfee students and all Durfee staff have unique gifts to share, not only with the Durfee community but with the world at large,” Dr. Stephens said. “I am eager to leverage our current foundation to focus on a systemic culture of achievement and support; a culture where all of us grow to find comfort in a sense of accountability to one another. By aiming to instill a consistent combination of high expectations and grace, I know that we can become the best students, educators, and human beings that we can be; people who always strive to contribute to the greater good and take care of the world around us.”
Dr. Stephens graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. She earned her Master’s in social work from Boston College, and her doctorate in education from American International College.
She was the freshman academy VP before becoming an associate principal at Durfee.
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Fed Up
August 7, 2024 at 2:55 pm
Any plans on improving the school’s ranking? Which sits at 268th in the state?
Paul Cordeiro
August 7, 2024 at 5:03 pm
Any positive suggestions based in your obvious expertise?
Fed Up
August 7, 2024 at 7:03 pm
Yes. Send your children elsewhere.
Liz Cort
August 7, 2024 at 7:07 pm
I’ve known Jessica since High School and what a tremendous leader to put at the helm. Well deserved.
martha cruz martha cruz
August 8, 2024 at 3:57 pm
She has a heart of gold. Her relationship with students is awesome. My kids graduated Durfee. School is what your child make of it. My 2 girls graduated with over 21 college credits. Durfee have excellent clubs and programs. The issue is getting your kids to participate
Dee
August 7, 2024 at 8:50 pm
Matt did an awesome job as principal. Can’t see why they are replacing him.
Linda Dugas
August 7, 2024 at 10:22 pm
Congratulations Dr Jessica
Steven Camara
August 8, 2024 at 1:00 pm
Good news . . Matt & Dr. J seem to be perfect appointments from the Superintendent!
Bill
August 8, 2024 at 10:57 pm
The school has not made the grade for years like many schools in the city. This is a fact. It will be interesting what someone with a psychological and sociological education background mostly can do to change Durfee around.