Thursday, April 27, 2000 Older Editions

Former East teacher is AHS principal

By Rebecca Lipchitz

The search for a new principal for Andover High School went as far as Woodstock, Ill., only to discover Peter J. Anderson, who once taught and lived in Andover.

Anderson said Tuesday that he has no "predetermined, grand plan" for AHS, but hopes to spend the summer getting to know as many teachers, students and parents as he can.

Superintendent of Schools Claudia Bach announced Tuesday the appointment of Anderson as principal of Andover High School, now headed by interim Principal Bruce MacDonald.

MacDonald took over in October 1999, after Principal Larry Robinson died of liver cancer.

Bach says she chose Anderson from a pool of 28 applicants, narrowed down to three finalists: Anderson, Michael Jones of Maynard High School, and Marilyn Hurwitz of Marblehead.

The search process included receptions where parents and other residents could meet with the candidates in person, and submit written comments to the superintendent.

Bach says the comments, and her visit to Northwood Middle School, where Anderson has been principal for 10 years, influenced her decision.

"It was clear to me that Mr. Anderson gave teachers the credit for what the school had achieved, and they didn't hesitate to claim the credit, and that is leadership at its best," Bach says.

Andover Selectman Ted Teichert says he attended East Junior High School while Anderson was teaching there.

"I was ecstatic when I heard he got the job," Teichert says.

Teichert remembers Anderson as someone who had respect for all students.

"I felt he cared about the kids who were doing great, and the kids who weren't doing so great. He didn't care who you were, but he cared how you were doing," Teichert says.

School Committee member Dick Collins says he taught and coached with Anderson during his Andover tenure.

"He really cares about kids, and he's a very good disciplinarian. Kids don't fool around under Peter," Collins says.

Collins, who says he considers Anderson a dear friend, adds that he and the other members of the School Committee made a point to stay out of the administration's search process in choosing the new principal.

Anderson says that until he assumes his duties on July 1, he plans to focus on wrapping things up at Northwood Middle School, and at home, where he has one son graduating from college, one son graduating from high school, and a daughter in college.

Anderson taught English and math at East Junior High School from 1968 to 1982.

He also coached freshman football and junior varsity football, Collins says.

Anderson says he was impressed with Andover after talking with a group of more than 20 high school students.

"I asked if they felt they were being challenged, and they were unanimous that the work was worthwhile and that they were treated with respect by the faculty. I think that's a fine comment," Anderson says.

Teichert says he felt people were at ease talking with Anderson when he came to Andover for interviews.

Before becoming principal of the Northwood Middle School of 725 students, he worked in private business from 1984 to 1990.

Prior to that, and after leaving Andover, he was principal of instruction at Culbreth Junior High School in Chapel Hill, N.C.

He earned an master's in education from State College at Salem, Mass., after earning a bachelor's from Colgate University. He has also studied at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Harvard University.