The top MHS job is Merrill's

Superintendent Cyndy Taymore announced this week that Jason Merrill has been appointed as the permanent principal for Melrose High School.

Formerly the MHS Assistant Principal, Merrill has been serving as Interim Principal since July 1, following former MHS Principal Marianne Farrell's transition to the Director of Finance and Administrative Affairs for the district.

Merrill's appointment went into effect Tuesday. Over the last six months, Merrill has proven to have an appreciable impact on the school community, and Taymore said she has received positive feedback from students, staff and parents.

"Jason is an exceptional leader for Melrose High School who has provided thoughtful leadership, cares deeply about the well being and success of all students, and values our faculty and staff," Superintendent Taymore said. "He is committed to continuing the work we have been doing for the past four years to ensure that every student experiences both academic and personal success at MHS."

A 1996 graduate of MHS, Merrill has 16 years of experience in education, with the last 10 in high school administration. He is a Melrose Public Schools parent, a Melrose resident and has worked directly with Superintendent Taymore over the last four years.

Merrill came to the Melrose school district in 2013 after a lengthy stint in the Saugus Public Schools, where he began as a Saugus High School Physical Education and Health teacher in 2000. He then worked as the Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and Interim Principal for Saugus High School before accepting the Assistant Principal position at MHS.

"It has been a great privilege to be able to serve as interim principal at MHS and I'm honored to have been selected to fill this role permanently," Principal Merrill said. "I look forward to continuing to build relationships with our school community and assisting students further their academic and career goals as they progress throughout the high school."

Merrill has a bachelor's degree in Physical Education tram Bridgewater State University and a master's degree in School Administration from Cambridge College.