July 14, 2025
Dear Butler Families: In my original communication to you on 05/23/2025, I outlined the hiring process we would follow in order to fill the Butler Principal position. Despite the fact that it was not a traditional process, as late or interim searches often are not, I promised you at that time that we would “do our best to ensure that we hire the qualified and capable Principal that your children deserve.” I believe we have made good on that promise. I am pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Elizabeth “Beth” Nolan, the Interim Principal of the Daniel Butler Elementary School for the 2025-2026 school year.
Dr. Nolan (Ed.D) was most recently the Principal of West Marin-Inverness School in Point Reyes Station, CA, a position she held for 5+ years (2019-2024). This school served ~170 students in Grades TK-8. She has since relocated to the Boston area, which was home for her for the first 18 years of her career as a public educator. Prior to her move to the west coast, she worked as an Assistant Principal for 3 years at the Edgar Hooks Elementary School (2015-2018), a part of the Chelsea Public Schools, where she supported students in Grades 1-4. Other public education experience includes as a lead classroom teacher at the Bowen Elementary School in Newton teaching Grades 1, 2, and 3 for 10 years (2001-2010). Adjacent to public education, she also brings unique experience as a staff assistant for State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz where she supported the work of the Joint Committee on Education. Her education and training includes a BA in Government from Hamilton College (1997), two MEd degrees in Elementary Education (2000) and Moderate Special Needs (2001) from Boston College, and a doctorate degree from Boston University (2017).
During our process, Beth impressed us, proving herself to be the thoughtful, hard-working, and kind professional your children deserve. She was selected from a pool of highly-qualified candidates, totaling more than 20 applicants, 5 first round interviewees, and two finalists. She will remain in this interim position until the end of next school year: June 30, 2026. Our search for a permanent Butler Principal will commence next year.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the screening committee, who put in many hours to screen and interview candidates. It is because of their focus and time that we have a leader like Beth lead your child’s school for the coming school year. She will provide not only the stability that is sought, but the ability to also make forward progress on this year’s goals. In the coming weeks we will be releasing information about “Meet and Greet” opportunities where you can meet her. Please be on the lookout for that information. I know that you join me in welcoming Dr. Nolan to Butler.
Respectfully,
Jill Geiser, Superintendent
Belmont Public Schools