MONT VERNON – John Schuttinger began his new role as principal of Mont Vernons Village School Monday, bringing nearly two decades of teaching and administrative experience with him.

For the first day on the job, Schuttinger hosted a “meet and greet with the new principal” at the Village School. Students, parents and district staff came to welcome the new principal.

“The ‘meet and greet’ was excellent. Everyone was very welcoming, I met a lot of new students. It was nice to meet a number of the staff as well,” Schuttinger said.

He said he got a chance to meet many of the parents as well as students.

“It was a mix…kids played while parents chatted. With every family that came up, I met students and found out what grades they were in. Meeting new students was exciting because we’re both new to Mont Vernon at the same time,” he said.

Schuttinger said he felt support from across the district. “Collegues from Amherst and board members from Souhegan came. It was a wonderful evening – very welcoming,” he said.

Before coming to Mont Vernon, Schuttinger worked as an assistant principal for the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford for seven years. Before then, he taught 1st through 7th grade for 11 years in the Concord School District. He earned an M.Ed in Administration and Leadership from UNH and a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in English from Notre Dame College in Manchester.

Looking toward the new year, Schuttinger said he’s eager to get to know a lot about Mont Vernon. “They key is to be a sponge. It’s about getting in and getting into the groove,” he said.

“John brings a strong elementary teaching and leadership background to Mont Vernon, and he will be a strong contributor to our SAU-wide Leadership Team. We are all looking forward to working with him,” said Superintendent Peter Warburton in an August 15 release from his office.

Schuttinger wants Mont Vernon parents to know his door’s always open. “I want families to know they can reach out, call or email anytime. I’m here to listen. We’re all here to be supportive of the students,” he said.

The Mont Vernon school board elected Schuttinger as the Village School’s new principal August 14. The board voted unanimously in favor of Schuttinger for the position. The school’s first day of school is Tuesday, September 2, and registration for the district is Monday the 25.

Tina Forbes can be reached at 594-6402 or tforbes@nashuatelegraph.com.