Caroline Arakelian began her first school year as superintendent of Marshwood (MSAD 35) after spending the summer learning about the district, meeting the people who serve its students and preparing to lead five schools serving students from Eliot, South Berwick and Rollinsford, NH.
Arakelian joined the district July 1. In her first letter to Marshwood families, she said she had long admired the district and its reputation for making decisions centered on students.
“I saw a district with a strong foundation and tremendous opportunities for the future,” Arakelian wrote. “Most importantly, I saw people who care deeply about children and who are committed to working together.”
During her first two months, Arakelian met with school and district leaders, visited each of Marshwood’s schools, participated in MSAD 35 School Board meetings and learned more about the programs, services and operations supporting students.
This summer gave Arakelian an opportunity to begin understanding the district, she said. With the school year underway, she is eager to spend time with students, staff and families and see the district’s work in action.
“My goal is to understand what is working well, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure that many voices help shape our future,” Arakelian wrote.
Arakelian brings more than 20 years of experience in public education. Her professional background includes leadership in special education, district operations, budget development and community engagement. Before joining Marshwood, she served as superintendent of the Governor Wentworth Regional School District, a position she began in the 2022-23 school year. She previously served as assistant superintendent and interim superintendent for SAU 21 at New Hampshire’s seacoast.
Her work at Governor Wentworth included establishing a districtwide communications system that incorporated technology, a family communications survey, a parent advisory group and a district communications plan. The district also expanded its work in student wellness, belonging, family engagement and learning opportunities designed around students’ different needs.
That experience has helped shape Arakelian’s approach at Marshwood.
“A strong school system recognizes that students do not all need the same things or follow the same path,” Arakelian said. “Our responsibility is to understand the whole child and make sure every student has the support, challenge and opportunity to succeed.”
Arakelian said students and families will be important partners as she continues learning about Marshwood and works with educators to support the district’s schools.
“Students and families experience our schools every day, and their voices help us understand both what is working and where we can become stronger,” she said. “When schools and families work together, students know they have a team behind them.”
Communication will also remain a priority during her first year. Arakelian said families should receive information that is clear, useful and connected to the decisions and opportunities affecting their children.
For more information and access to the latest communication from the Arakelian, please visit the Superintendent Communication page on the district’s website.
“I am genuinely happy to be here,” Arakelian said. “This is a district with caring people who have a deep commitment to students. I’m excited for the year ahead and grateful for the opportunity to be part of the Marshwood community.”