As current principal Bethany Bernasconi closes out her tenure, Kristen Gauthier prepares to take the reins at the Amherst Middle School.

The Amherst School Board unanimously approved Gauthier’s appointment at its May 25 meeting. Her two-year term, with a $120,000 annual salary, is scheduled to begin July 1.

“Ms. Gauthier will be a great addition to the Amherst Middle School team,” said Steve Chamberlain, Amherst’s interim superintendent of schools, in a written statement. Chamberlain nominated Gauthier for the position.

“She has a strong middle school background – both as a teacher and school leader; she empowers, supports, and has high expectations for faculty and staff; and she truly values student voice. I look forward to working with and learning from her.”

She received her bachelor of science and master of arts degrees from the University of Rhode Island.

Currently the assistant principal at the Ross A. Lurgio Middle School in Bedford, Gauthier’s career began in 2005 as a physical science teacher at Dover High School. She served as a science teacher at the Cooperative Middle School in Stratham, which also draws students from Exeter and all other schools in SAU 16

At the Lurgio Middle school, she began as a science teacher in 2017.

“I am honored to be selected to lead Amherst Middle School. The opportunity to engage, challenge, and support adolescents in my town is truly a privilege,” she said.

“During the interview process, I was excited to learn more about the middle school through thoughtful questioning and conversations with members of the school community and I am enthusiastic about partnering with staff, students, and parents to continue to build upon a foundation of excellence in the Amherst School District.”

“The board is excited to welcome Kristen to the Amherst School District and SAU 39,” said Amherst School Board chairman Tom Gauthier (no relation). “She comes to Amherst from one of the top school systems in the state, with vast experience from teaching to leadership.

“There are big shoes to fill at New Hampshire’s top middle school, but we are eager to work with Kristen to continue that tradition of excellence”