By Julia Rockler

In the Swampscott School District, every building is led by a woman, a leadership dynamic that the district’s principals say reflects both collaboration and shared commitment to students.

Elementary School Principal Lori Sanborn, Middle School Principal Jessica Minter and High School Principal Emily Zotto bring different experiences to their roles, but they share a common goal: supporting students while modeling leadership for the next generation.

Emily Zotto, High School Principal

For Zotto, leading the high school carries a special meaning. She is the first woman to serve as principal of the school. 

“I feel it is such an honor to serve as a principal. Educators in general are having the most important job, working with kids everyday,’’ said Zotto. 

Zotto’s connection to the community runs deep. Her grandparents graduated from the high school, and she went to the elementary school in Swampscott before she moved overseas to Switzerland. Zotto has lived in different places and gained a global perspective that she said she wants her children to experience as well one day. 

“If you had asked me when I was 18 if I would return here, I don’t think a universe like that would have happened after living in Switzerland, New York and Colorado. It’s funny how stars align,’’ Zotto said. 

Zotto initially pursued graduate studies in school counseling. When she was offered a position in Swampscott as director of school counseling, she said the opportunity felt like coming “full circle.” 

Today, she sees women’s leadership in education as both meaningful and important.

“In any leadership role being a woman feels like an accomplishment, and in a world where where a lot of senior-ship is still men, it’s very validating that not only women are in those positions but making moves in those positions and are supportive,” Zotto said. “I think it feels great to have a senior leadership team with majority of women.”

Jessica Minter, Middle School Principal

At the middle school, Minter is also in her first year as principal, after starting the role July 1. 

Minter said she always enjoyed the leadership and the responsibilities that came with it. During high school and college, she was a team captain for her softball team. 

Before becoming principal, Minter worked for eight years as a special education teacher at the middle school. That experience, she said, helped her understand the school community before stepping into the role. 

“Throughout my first year I had a sense of pride,” said Minter. 

Minter, who is 30, said being a young principal sometimes comes with doubts from others, something she has learned to navigate. 

“Some people can question if I’m sure in situations, and if I let those people get into my head then I probably could have psyched myself out,” Minter said. “You need to trust your gut and go for what you want, and quiet the noise of some people.”

Lori Sanborn, Elementary School Principal

Sanborn, now in her fourth year as elementary principal, has spent much of her career in Swampscott. Before becoming principal, she worked for six years as assistant principal at the middle school.

She said each step in her career has reinforced why she chose education.

“I always feel so grateful for every job I ever had in education whether it was in the classroom as a teacher, assistant principal at the middle school and now principal in the elementary school,” Sanborn said. “The joy that kids give me personally and professionally is so rewarding, so I’ve always seen it as I’m so grateful to every person on my path who made this a possibility for me.”

Sanborn said she tries to lead with kindness and connection.

“To be kind, to be fair and to be connected – I feel like if you always lead with love you can’t go wrong,” said Sanborn. 

Three Principals Leading One District

The three principals say their collaboration also strengthens leadership across the district.

For Minter, both Sanborn and Zotto have become role models.

“For women, we just need to have each other’s backs, and I think Emily Zotto and Lori Sanborn are doing a good job doing that,’’ said Minter. 

That support creates a culture where leaders want to see one another succeed, she added.

“Everyone wants to see each other succeed, because other people’s success helps your own success. With Emily and Lori I definitely get that. I’m very lucky,” said Minter. 

The principals also recognize the impact their leadership can have on students.

“I feel it’s phenomenal for all students whatever gender they are, to see women in power wherever leading schools, whether writing books and it’s always good to see the empowerment of women,” said Sanborn.

Despite their different leadership styles, the three principals share similar priorities: being present in classrooms, supporting teachers and making decisions based on what is best for students.

Minter describes her approach as “kind but firm.”

“I want to come from a compassionate point of view,” she said. “But I also need to make sure students are listening and getting what they need to be successful.”

Zotto focuses on creating opportunities for students and guiding the high school with that goal in mind.

“One of my messages to girls — and really all students — is to keep advocating for yourself to find a seat at the table,” Zotto said. “If you’re not at the table, it’s hard to be part of the conversation.”

Julia Rockler is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story is written in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.