Staff Writer

John Thurlow says his move from playground to the principal’s office at Blue Point Primary School is a good thing.

Thurlow, 48, was unanimously confirmed Tuesday as principal of the school during a special Board of Education meeting. The Pine Point resident who used to play ball on the school’s field called his appointment “a wonderful opportunity.”

School Superintendent David Doyle said more than 20 applicants were interviewed to replace Sue Helms, who retired at the end of June. The search for her replacement was conducted by a committee of teachers, staff and parents led by Assistant Superintendent Joanne Sizemore.

“He is very thoughtful and student-centered,” Doyle said of Thurlow. Doyle said Thurlow’s focus on students, classroom experience of 20 years in South Portland schools and emphasis on professional development led to the committee’s recommendation.

Helms, the school principal for 14 years, left an impressive legacy, said Thurlow and board member Chris Brownsey.

“These will be big shoes to fill as she was an incredibly effective administrator,” Thurlow said.

Thurlow served on the Board of Education while he was still in high school and has taught elementary school children in South Portland since 1990. His last seven years have been spent as a technology specialist integrating technology curriculum for students in kindergarten through fifth grade at three South Portland elementary schools.

“I really believe a principal is a teacher first,” Thurlow said. “This will be a different kind of teaching for me.”

Thurlow said his first year at the school will likely focus on maintaining continuity and fostering his own strong relationships with staff and students.

“I see this as a year of learning and preserving traditions,” he said.

Thurlow said he will meet with Helms for advice and to learn more about the school in the days after his appointment.

“I have a question sheet that numbers around 40, from minutia to the big picture,” he said.

Thurlow noted the community’s strong involvement in the school and dedicated teachers and said his guidance will extend beyond keeping test scores strong to focus on the evolution of teaching.

“I’m concerned we don’t remember there is an art and science to teaching,” he said. “We will use data to examine the bigger picture and rely on teachers’ judgments about what they know about children.”

Thurlow and his wife, Susan, are parents of adopted sons Benjamin, 5, and Andrew, 4.

When school starts this year, Benjamin enroll as a special needs student at Blue Point Primary School.

The meetings to create Benjamin’s learning plan reinforced Thurlow’s comfort and confidence in what the school offers all children, he said.

“The teachers were reassuring and I have no worries my son will do well there,” Thurlow said.

As he prepares for the job, Thurlow said he wants staff to know he keeps things in perspective.

“I would like the faculty and staff to know I honor their life outside the school,” he said. I want to enjoy my family and home – it is important to achieve balance.”

Thurlow is a co-leader of the Pine Point Residents Association since 2003 and also has been a Scout leader, Scarborough Land Conservation Trust member, property manager and former owner of the Lobster Pound and General Store.

“I’m excited,” Thurlow said about his appointment as principal. “I am incredibly grateful to the people and the search process.”

Staff writer David Harry can be reached at 282-4337.