Newton North Principal Henry Turner leaving to lead Reading Public Schools

Newton North High School Principal Henry Turner will leave his post after nearly a decade to become superintendent of Reading Public Schools, as he stated in a message he shared with students and families on April 4.

Dr. Turner, who has led Newton North since 2016, said his decision comes at a moment when the school community is in a strong position.

“I’m still in that mixed-emotions stage,” Dr. Turner told Fig City News. “But one of the reasons I felt this was an appropriate time to leave is that our school is in a good place. Our challenges are manageable, students are thriving, families are engaged, and our educators are doing really meaningful work.”

During his tenure, Dr. Turner has been recognized nationally, including receiving the 2020 National K-12 Principal Award from K-12 Dive.

While Newton North is often recognized for its size and facilities, Dr. Turner said the defining feature of the school is its people.

“There isn’t one particular moment I’ll miss most—there are many—but this place is extremely unique and special,” he said. “There is spirit everywhere. You can talk to any student, and there’s passion, whether at a game, a performance or on a trip. Students have that Tiger spirit. Parents have that same tenacity, and our teachers carry it as well.”

Newton North junior Sophie Stockton said it’s important for a principal to be “a genuine person—someone who prioritizes building connections with students, faculty and the whole school community,” adding that “Dr. Turner does a really excellent job at that.”

“He’s made Newton North a really warm and welcoming environment,” she said.

Dr. Turner emphasized that building those connections has been central to his leadership, encouraging future school leaders to look beyond academic metrics.

“The biggest advice I’d give is to get to know students—what makes them tick,” he said. “See them beyond MCAS scores, AP classes, and college plans. All of that matters, but it’s just as important to see them laugh, be themselves and understand the diversity of their perspectives.”

Newton Public Schools officials have not yet announced a successor. Dr. Turner said Assistant Superintendent Gene Roundtree will oversee the selection process.

“I would hope that the work continues,” Dr. Turner said. “If there’s an interim principal, that there’s also an inclusive process for selecting a permanent one. A thorough, inclusive process is really important so people feel heard in choosing the next leader.”

Newton North staff members echoed the importance of Dr. Turner’s leadership style. His executive assistant of five years, Carol Ouellette, described his approach as grounded in support and resilience.

“Dr. Turner faces challenges with conviction—he doesn’t shy away from adversity,” she said. “His philosophy is, ‘We believe, we support, and we stand behind our students and staff.’”

Ouellette added that clear and timely communication will be essential qualities in the next principal.

As Newton North begins its transition, Dr. Turner said he will carry with him the relationships he built throughout the community.

“I would say the people are the most spectacular aspect of this place,” he said.

Annalise Vito is a Fig City News student reporter, a senior at Newton North HS, and former co-Editor in Chief of the Newtonite.