Berlin Loses Another Principal

After weeding through 28 candidates, Clark Lane Middle School has a new principal.Berlin High School assistant principal James “Jim” Sachs was unanimously approved as the new principal of Clark Lane Middle School.

Sachs will start the post on July 5, taking over for the retiring Michael Lovetere.

“The (hiring) process was awesome,” Sachs said. “I look forward to getting started.”Sachs has been the assistant principal in Berlin since June 2008. Before, he served as dean of students at McGee Middle School in Berlin for three years, and was teacher in Meriden before that.

“We have found a person who is very passionate about the young adolescents,” Superintendent Jerome Belair said.

Sachs, who lives in Madison, earned his bachelor’s degree at Connecticut College, a master’s degree at Quinnipiac  and a sixth-year degree from Southern Connecticut State University. His strengths are developing curriculum, staff supervision and building relationships between students and parents, according to a press release by Belair.

“Jim was an excellent middle school administrator and his high school experience will be an asset to Waterford,” Gary Brochu, president of the Berlin board of education, said. “He is a quality person and educational leader. I have the greatest respect for Jim Sachs, both professionally and personally.  Waterford is gaining a wonderful educator and individual. 

"The Board is well underway with in our search for a new high school principal with a strong pool of candidates.  We are confident that we will find quality educators to replace Mr. Harnett and Mr. Sachs who will complement the excellent staff in place at the high school."

“Jim is ready to lead a school and Waterford is receiving a person of the highest integrity, passionate about his work, and an individual who cares about students,” Berlin Superintendent David Erwin said.  I am thrilled for Jim. He has done an excellent job in leadership roles both at McGee and Berlin High School, he will be missed, but will do a great job in Waterford."

When Sachs was announced as principal at the board of education meeting Thursday night, he received a standing ovation from the audience. Afterward, he shook hands with fellow administrators, board of education members and parents.