Join Us in Welcoming New Principals to Kingdom East School District!

August 12, 2024

Kingdom East School District is very excited to be welcoming three new principals to the district for the 2024-2025 school year!

August 12, 2024

Kingdom East School District is very excited to be welcoming three new principals to the district for the 2024-2025 school year!

Meet Sophie Branson Gill,
Burke Town School's New Principal!

It is with such joy and excitement that I am returning to the Burke Town School community.  From 2012-2022 I called BTS home, and I am thrilled to come back to lead this outstanding community.  On the wall of my office I now have the class photos of all the kindergarten and middle school students I was lucky to teach.  Some of them more than once!  I know this community is made up of hard working, dedicated, caring and community oriented people.  I have experienced the kindness and support of this community in many ways: Kingdom Sense of Place, winter activities, the yearly Ski Swap, student led projects, thoughtful support in times of need, joyous celebrations, I’ve seen it all.  This knowledge of the BTS community, and the potential of every student that walks through our front doors, gives me a wonderful foundation upon which to build and move us forward.

Meet Sophie Branson Gill,
Burke Town School's New Principal!

It is with such joy and excitement that I am returning to the Burke Town School community.  From 2012-2022 I called BTS home, and I am thrilled to come back to lead this outstanding community.  On the wall of my office I now have the class photos of all the kindergarten and middle school students I was lucky to teach.  Some of them more than once!  I know this community is made up of hard working, dedicated, caring and community oriented people. 

I have experienced the kindness and support of this community in many ways: Kingdom Sense of Place, winter activities, the yearly Ski Swap, student led projects, thoughtful support in times of need, joyous celebrations, I’ve seen it all.  This knowledge of the BTS community, and the potential of every student that walks through our front doors, gives me a wonderful foundation upon which to build and move us forward.



As anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes with me can tell you, I am a proud mother and step-mother, and dedicated partner to my husband Taylor.  Every day, as our children leave the house, we say to them “Remember: be brave, curious and kind” and these are the words that also drive me.  With bravery, we can tackle any issue and take the risks that must be taken in order to grow.  With curiosity, we can approach every day and issue with a sense of problem solving and wonder.  And with kindness, we can create spaces where all community members can learn, grow and thrive.  These are the principles that drive me in my everyday life, and here at BTS.


I love our little slice of the NEK and am genuinely excited to lead the BTS community into a time of growth and excellence. 

As anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes with me can tell you, I am a proud mother and step-mother, and dedicated partner to my husband Taylor.  Every day, as our children leave the house, we say to them “Remember: be brave, curious and kind” and these are the words that also drive me.  With bravery, we can tackle any issue and take the risks that must be taken in order to grow.  With curiosity, we can approach every day and issue with a sense of problem solving and wonder.  And with kindness, we can create spaces where all community members can learn, grow and thrive.  These are the principles that drive me in my everyday life, and here at BTS.

I love our little slice of the NEK and am genuinely excited to lead the BTS community into a time of growth and excellence. 

Meet Tammy MacQueen,
Lunenburg School's New Principal!

During my teaching career, I’ve taught language arts, served as a literacy coach, spent several years as the director of an after school and summer camp program, and became the principal for two small elementary schools. I believe this work has prepared me well for my new position in the district. I am thrilled to be part of the Kingdom East school district and the new leader of the Lunenburg School. 


When I first walked into the school building, I immediately felt the love. Lunenburg is an amazing small school with an incredible staff and I am honored to be part of this community. I am most excited about meeting students and families, and continuing to do what I love most, helping our students to grow into caring, intelligent and respectful members of our community.

One of our goals this year is to create a safe place where all students can be engaged in their learning. Our top priority is continuing to strengthen our behavior policy so our expectations are clear and consistent for all children. We will also be looking at a new math program and increasing our academic expectations, especially for our fifth grade students who will attend middle school at the end of the year.


Thank you for your continued support of our wonderful little school. I  look forward to working with our children and families to ensure that all students are safe, happy, and successful.

Meet Tammy MacQueen,
Lunenburg School's New Principal!

During my teaching career, I’ve taught language arts, served as a literacy coach, spent several years as the director of an after school and summer camp program, and became the principal for two small elementary schools. I believe this work has prepared me well for my new position in the district. I am thrilled to be part of the Kingdom East school district and the new leader of the Lunenburg School. 


When I first walked into the school building, I immediately felt the love. Lunenburg is an amazing small school with an incredible staff and I am honored to be part of this community. I am most excited about meeting students and families, and continuing to do what I love most, helping our students to grow into caring, intelligent and respectful members of our community.

One of our goals this year is to create a safe place where all students can be engaged in their learning. Our top priority is continuing to strengthen our behavior policy so our expectations are clear and consistent for all children. We will also be looking at a new math program and increasing our academic expectations, especially for our fifth grade students who will attend middle school at the end of the year.


Thank you for your continued support of our wonderful little school. I  look forward to working with our children and families to ensure that all students are safe, happy, and successful.

Meet Kerra Holden,
Lyndon Town School's New Principal!

I am so excited and honored to lead the Lyndon Town School and to join the KESD learning community. I’ve worked in public education for a decade and, prior to focusing on learning and teaching, worked in social work and nonprofit organizations. I grew up in New Hampshire and Vermont and had many great educators who saw the very best in me (including Lunenburg’s new principal, Tammy Macqueen!) who taught me not only literacy and math but also the value of relationships, persistence and community. I aim to emulate their work and commitment each and every day in schools.

More specifically, my background is in special education and providing a meaningful education to all learners. My most recent role brought me into special education leadership where I experienced the depth and breadth of school leadership and the impact school leaders have on students, educators, families and communities. Knowing the work, energy and heart that school leadership requires, I wanted to work within the NEK to share my skills and attributes with my local community. How fortunate I am to be here at LTS! I look forward to meeting all of you- students, caregivers, community members and educators- and understanding the systems, strengths and opportunities at LTS. 


On a personal note, I live with my husband, Jesse, and our daughter, Aubriella, in St. Johnsbury. In our free time we love to travel and enjoy all the recreation and play that our area has to offer. I also love to curl up with a good book, spend time with our two dogs and cook a big meal for family and friends. 

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