Bears Embrace New Principal Kimberly Premoli with Open Paws

The start of a school year marks the turn of a page for students and staff alike as they journey into new interactions and experiences.

This August, in particular, turned the school not just to another page, but to a completely new chapter. That’s when the Cambridge community learned that someone other than former Principal Edward Spurka would lead the school for the very first time.

That person would be former Assistant Principal Kimberly Premoli, who learned she got the position of principal in late June after a long and quiet application process.

Premoli said the process was nerve-wracking because she didn’t know who she was up against.

“When I found out, I was truly excited,” said Premoli. “There was also a bit of “okay, you’re actually doing this,” but I was ready for it.”

Premoli has been a high school educator since 2003 and has been an administrator at the school since its doors opened in 2012. Within her previous role as an assistant principal, Premoli was mainly in charge of the curriculum and master schedule.    

Though she continues to work in both of those areas, Premoli has had to adjust to her new position.

In addition to transitioning to a new office, Premoli has shifted from being behind the scenes to looking at the global picture of the school in a front-and-center role.

“It’s been amazing,” said Premoli. “I’m invested in Cambridge. I love what we’re doing here and I am honored to serve the community.”

Having new leadership has been an adjustment for Principal’s Assistant Mary Ross, as well.

Ross said the transition was fairly easy, as she’s worked with Premoli for 12 years that have included tenures at both Cambridge and Roswell High School, where Premoli was a member of the English department.

“I feel like working with Dr. Spurka, I saw how she really shadowed him and really absorbed his knowledge,” said Ross. “She opened Cambridge with us, and there are very few of us left.”

Ross brought attention to Premoli’s efforts to be connected with students’ affairs inside and outside of the classroom.

“I think another thing that’s a little different about her that is like Spurka is she’s very much involved in the athletics. She loves the concerts, she loves all of those student activities,” said Ross.

Like Ross, English Department Chair Michelle Morris has known Premoli for a long time and noted Premoli’s deep devotion to students.

Morris and Premoli met in 2002. Although they worked at different Fulton high schools, they’ve held common positions over the years — yearbook teacher, AP Language and Composition teacher and English department chair — that gave them opportunities to work together.  

Morris supports Premoli being principal and said she encourages students to be excited, as well.

“She’s created a culture of caring,” said Morris. “Under her leadership, we’re going to continue to be a more unified school. She’s gonna show how we can work together, just how we can move forward together and be aware of each other’s needs.”

Premoli said the main focus in her new role is making sure students’ voices are heard.

Ross said this is largely because of Premoli’s close relationship with young people.

“She likes to empower students to advocate for themselves,” said Ross. “She actually looks forward to going down and doing lunch duty with the kids.”

Premoli has also been recognized for her forward-thinking and collaborative mentality by some teachers and staff.

This mindset can be seen in Premoli’s “21st Century Learning Labs,” where she gives parents an opportunity to better understand the more personalized style of teaching being used today to prepare students for the ever-advancing future.

Morris said she always knew Premoli was a perceptive, charismatic and strong leader with a genuine care for the product of her work.

“Because Cambridge is cutting-edge and the things that we’re doing here are years ahead of other schools, a lot of that is her vision. Her vision is, ‘Okay, how can we make that work here?’,” said Morris.

Premoli continues to develop plans for the future of the school.

“I’m really excited that we’ve not lost any steam,” said Premoli. “I hope we just pick up the ball and continue to run with it.”

Premoli said she wants students to know high school is an extraordinary and memorable place, and that they should make the most of it.  

She also encourages students to create a kind and thoughtful environment that allows everyone to enjoy his or her time at the school.

“We only have you for four years,” said Premoli. “This is the time when you’re achieving your identity, and it’s a real treat for adults to see and witness and hopefully contribute to.”