Interim Principal Robert Keuther took the job of BHS Principal last summer for the 2025-26 school year after the resignation of long-time principal Dr. Scully. Now, Keuther has been replaced by someone for the long term: Dr. Nick Fitzgerald.
“One of the biggest qualities I saw was his real desire to be in Braintree, and to be a member of the Braintree community, and Braintree public schools.” said Braintree Superintendent Timothy MacDonald. “That was really important to me—to find someone that was really committed to what this town and the school system stands for.”
Fitzgerald, who previously worked for Canton Public schools as one of their Assistant Principals, will come to Braintree next school year after accepting the job offer earlier in March 2026.
“Well, it’s a new professional opportunity, a challenge to kind of learn something new, have different professional challenges that you have to navigate during the day. I feel like I’m ready for that and kind of craving it a little bit,” stated Fitzgerald. “I think culturally it’s very similar to Canton where I currently work, and where I grew up in Billerica. I believe there’s also some cultural similarities there, and it’s close to home. So to me it was kind of a slam-dunk-like opportunity to pursue when I saw it.”
While Fitzgerald is looking forward to the new challenges that being a principal brings, Superintendent MacDonald noticed unique qualities that would help in Fitzgerald’s transition to Braintree.
“I think he’ll bring a different energy to the school. I think he’ll bring his experience as a teacher, advisor and assistant principal,” Macdonald stated. “I also think his experience working in the military, you know being an army veteran, will lend itself to his leadership style and will be really beneficial for our students.”
While MacDonald noted the different energy that would be brought to Braintree High, he also realized Fitzgerald’s similarities to interim principal Mr. Keuther.
“I think Dr. Fitzgerald is gonna be a lot like Mr. Keuther. I think he’s gonna be your true presence at Braintree High School. I think the students will see him often throughout the hallways, at the athletic events, at the musicals, at the different shows that will happen. I think he’ll bring the Braintree mantra. He’ll extend that to the next level,” noted MacDonald.
Fitzgerald agreed with MacDonald’s statement as he outlined his goals for his role as Principal at Braintree High.
“I want a strong connection with the kids and the staff. I think I have that right now in Canton. That’s kind of the energizer for the day. Getting through the door can be a challenge, especially on a rainy Monday, right?” Fitzgerald mentioned. “But then as soon as you interact with the students or the staff about something good that’s happening, all that kind of goes away. I hope it’s the same in Braintree.”
While Dr. Fitzgerald looks forward to a new experience at Braintree High, he acknowledged the difficulties he might face coming into the 2026-27 school year.
“Sometimes it’s tough as a new kind of building leader to establish connections with a senior class because they’ve been there for three years. They are on their way out. They have their future kind of in front of them, but with the younger grades it’s even more important that you make those relationships,” observed Fitzgerald. “Those are the students and you know you’re going to work with for the most amount of time. That’s just building those relationships with students I think is what I’m most looking forward to and probably the number one priority.”
Many students were involved with the interview process, expressing excitement about the addition of Fitzgerald to the school.
“When he said he makes an effort to connect with every student, he wasn’t kidding. At our first round of interviews, he asked me my name, what sport I play, and what my favorite color is,” said junior Katie Gerety. “When he came back for his second interview weeks later, he was able to pick me out of a crowd and remember all of those details he asked me about.”
Senior Class President Tony Huang agreed with Gerety’s statement.
“Theater, DECA, the dance team—all are among the many clubs and their events that Dr. Fitz claimed he will support. With a strong belief in equity, he spoke about ensuring balanced representation among all areas of our school culture, bringing attention to under-supported clubs and sports,” stated Huang. “He plans to apply this same equity to our education, ensuring all students are accounted for and able to receive a quality learning experience at BHS.”
With students and staff excited for Fitzgerald’s arrival, Superintendent MacDonald believes in a brighter future with Fitzgerald and Braintree High.
“I think students this year especially had a sense of empowerment with Mr. Keuther,” stated MacDonald. “I think Mr. Fitzgerald coming in will do the same thing, and I think that when you have initiatives that are led or developed by students, they become a lot more realistic, and a lot more meaningful to the students. I think he can bring that energy to the job.”
