Credit to Kylie Taliaferro

Monica Perry sits in her office for a picture. This is Perry’s first year at North.

This school year, Francis Howell North welcomed a new assistant principal, Monica Perry, to the administrative team. Perry is the principal for the class of 2026.

Perry brings 17 years of educational experience to North and has worked at both the Riverview Garden School District and St. Louis Public Schools. 

“This is my sixth year in administration,” Perry said, “Prior to that I was a science teacher.”

The hiring process for any new administrator is by no means short. There are three rounds that applicants have to endure before they are offered the position. Even with the competition for the role, Perry outshined the other candidates.

“Once I was a finalist, I had to do a 15-minute presentation to the superintendent and his cabinet,” Perry said.

Perry first discovered North when the school hosted a leadership seminar for administrators working at other schools. She was impressed with how respectful all of the staff and students were to each other.

“Something that stuck with me was when the bell had rang and there weren’t any kids still in the hallways,” Perry said. “I never forgot that.”

According to Perry, she was one of the many overworked staff members in other districts. 

“I had to stop and think about what it really means to be an administrator,” Perry said.

Perry wants to build strong relationships with both students and staff and become a part of North’s vibrant community.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know students and their families… for them to know Dr. Perry is the principal that I can go to for help,” Perry said.