NEWBURYPORT — When River Valley Charter School posted its open principal position earlier this year, 51 people applied, said Julie Ryan, co-vice chairwoman of the Board of Trustees and co-chairwoman of the principal search committee.

It was important to find the right match, because the job is more than just a principal position — it is a head-of-school position, she said. So as the aggressive search dwindled down, there were three things that made the decision to hire Jeanne Schultz an easy one, Ryan said.

"She is clearly a seasoned administrator with a strong background, has a collaborative leadership style and enthusiastically supports the Montessori mission," Ryan said.

Schultz had most recently worked as superintendent on Fishers Island, which is part of Suffolk County, N.Y., but had retired. After being out of work for only a few months, Schultz said she was ready to get back in the game when she saw the ad for a principal at the River Valley Charter School.

"I knew that I wanted to be near the ocean or water and wanted to have an experience that was new and different," Schultz said.

River Valley Charter School felt like a natural progression to Schultz, she said. She had been in training sessions about the Montessori method of education and teaching and felt that it was the logical next step for her.

"Montessori is a very individualized look at how children learn; the philosophy just fit for me," Schultz said.

Before school started on Sept. 8, Schultz was given the summer to choose a new administrative team. She promoted Lorie Klucznik from special education director to assistant director, appointed Robin Castle, who came all the way from Texas, as curriculum director, John Blindermen of Newburyport as middle school coordinator and Meghan Ceglarski as guidance counselor.

"With my team, I want to have a great year of learning for the children who are here and make sure that the school is open and welcoming to family and friends," Schultz said.

Previously, Schultz spent 14 years in the Berlin and Wynantskill school districts in New York and at the Richmond Consolidated School in Massachusetts.

Schultz, who is from the Berkshires, attended the State University College of Oneonta for her bachelor's in education, earned her master's in education from the University of Southern California and her administrative certificate from the Mass. College of Liberal Arts.

She has so far enjoyed her new home. In the time she has spent here, she walks her dog two to three times a day downtown. Having come here not knowing anyone, she said she has made some new friends.

The theme for her first school year will be grace and courtesy. Schultz plans on spreading the message by incorporating the theme into the curriculum.

"We're very happy to have found her; she's been a great asset," Ryan said.

MEET AT THE BAR

River Valley Charter School will celebrate the new school year with Celebrity Bartender Night at Ten Center Street restaurant on Thursday from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friendly barkeeps will include new school director Jeanne Schultz and other school personnel. Current and alumni parents, faculty, staff and friends are all welcome to join in for delicious food and drink. Ten Center will donate a portion of the evening's tabs and tips to River Valley.