Gates Middle School Principal Named Massachusetts Principal of the Year
Beattie recognized for exceptional leadership and fostering positive school culture; groundbreaking ceremony for new elementary school set for October
SCITUATE - April 7 - Ryan Beattie, principal of Gates Middle School in Scituate, has been awarded the Massachusetts School Administrative Association 2025 Principal of the Year Award. The prestigious honor was celebrated during the April 7 Scituate School Committee meeting, where Beattie received recognition from school officials, students, staff, and community members.
Superintendent Bill Burkhead presented the award, highlighting the significance of the achievement.
"There's close to 1,800 public middle schools. We've got the one," Burkhead said. "This prestigious award is a testament to Principal Beattie's unwavering commitment to the students, staff, and entire Gates community."
The award recognizes Beattie's exceptional leadership, innovative approach to education, and genuine passion for fostering a nurturing learning environment. Burkhead emphasized that the achievement reflects not only Beattie's leadership but also the collective spirit of the entire Gates Middle School community.
Assistant Principal Jill Smith described Beattie as "the real deal" and credited him with creating the positive culture that exists at Gates.
"Part of what makes Mr. Beattie an outstanding principal is what he has done and continues to do on a daily basis to foster the positive culture that exists at Gates," Smith said. "He's incredibly approachable, patient, thorough, and thoughtful in his work."
Two eighth-grade students spoke about their principal's impact on the school community.
"Every morning, rain or shine, Mr. Beattie stands out front at the car drop-off greeting all of his students," one said. "Mr. Beattie has created a safe and supportive environment for all his students and teachers to do their best work."
The other added, "He's extremely selfless. He works hard to ensure that every kid has as many opportunities as possible to find what they're passionate about and get involved in clubs and activities."
State Representative Patrick Kearney presented Beattie with an official citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives, recognizing his dedication to education.
In his acceptance speech, Beattie expressed gratitude and emphasized that the award belongs to the entire school community.
"While receiving this award is an incredible honor, I want to remind everyone that it's a reflection of our entire community," Beattie said. "It's a testament to the culture that we've all created. A culture where we believe in each other, where we hold ourselves to high expectations, and where we never stop working to improve."
In other significant business, the School Committee approved October 3, 2025, as the date for the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cushing-Hatherly elementary school building project, with October 10 set as a rain date.
Superintendent Burkhead reported that the project is currently on schedule and under budget. The groundbreaking ceremony will involve students, staff, and community members in celebrating the start of construction.
"Shovels will go into the ground next fall," Burkhead said. "The project right now is on schedule and under budget, which are good things to hear."
The ceremony will take place during the school day to allow for student participation, with construction officially beginning in September. Burkhead will form a small leadership working group to plan the details of the ceremony and will report back to the School Committee for approval before the event.
The committee also approved a process for naming the new elementary school. Burkhead recommended a student-centered approach that maintains "the pride, memories, and history of the two current schools."
"My recommendation would be that the kids have a say in what the new name of the school is," Burkhead said. "I think some kind of a process where it's very student-driven and student-centered."
The superintendent will establish a representative working group of stakeholders to develop the student-led naming process and report recommendations to the School Committee for official approval.
Other items addressed during the meeting included:
* The School Committee approved updated technology policies related to artificial intelligence and academic integrity
* The last day of school for the 2024-2025 school year was confirmed as June 20, 2025
* The Fine Arts Department presented student performances and projects, highlighting how arts education develops 21st century skills
* Student representatives reported on spring sports, MCAS testing, and the Sailor of the Month program
School Committee Chair Nicole Brandolini noted that the next meeting will be Town Meeting on April 14, with the next regular School Committee meeting to follow in May.