by Julie Gowel ·
Friday, August 23, 2024
Every dawning school year brings about some change, but the Bromfield Middle School has seen more than its fair share over the past few years. The 2024-25 academic year is no exception. Students will see many new faces among the faculty and staff, including that of Daniel Hudder, the new principal for grades 6 through 8.
Dan Hudder. (Photo by Lisa Aciukewicz)
Hudder officially joined the school administration on July 22. He comes to Harvard after serving six years as the assistant principal for Bedford High School. His decades-long career in education saw him as an English teacher in New York City before moving to Massachusetts and teaching in Needham. He served as an adjunct professor at Boston University and transitioned to administration as a department head for Franklin High School and director of curriculum and instruction at the South Middlesex Regional Vocational Technical school in Framingham.
While Hudder’s resume is loaded with experience, it became clear during a spontaneous interview with the Press that working with students is more than a career for him, it is also a passion. “I want you to know that my compass, what completely drives what I’m doing, is serving all students,” he said. “Capital A-L-L. I believe to the core that the purpose of public education is equity.” The Harvard public schools’ vision statement is what drew Hudder to the community, in particular the district’s dedication to ensuring everyone finds belonging.
One way in which Hudder feels his sense of belonging at the middle school comes from his role as a father to two young children. “Being a parent has really shaped my view of school,” he explained. “I think it’s crucial that a community trusts its schools and its leaders. There needs to be a degree of transparency and communication. If I know that I’m hearing from my kids’ school, and I know they’ve got my kids’ best interests at heart, then I will feel better. That’s what shapes a lot of my mindset.”
Hudder is aware that some Bromfield students endured racist behavior at the close of the last academic year. He is committed to repairing the damage that was inflicted and helping the school community heal with workshops and new curricula to educate staff and students. “Big pillars of our vision as a district is a sense of belonging,” Hudder said. “What happened last year definitely violated that sense for a number of our students and families, so we’re going to right that.”
To introduce himself to the students of the middle school, Hudder planned an ice cream social to be held on the field in front of the school Wednesday, Aug. 21. He also planned a virtual Q&A for parents that same evening. While the schools have undergone schedule changes, faculty and staff turnover, and curriculum changes, Hudder hopes to become a consistent presence for the Bromfield Middle School for many years to come.