Rochester Memorial School’s new principal had a short commute when he pulled into the parking lot on Monday.

Derek Medeiros, a Rochester resident, was chosen from amongst 25 applicants, and said he wasn't really looking for a new job when the position opened up.

"I wasn't searching at all. It was long conversations with my wife about what an experience it would be," said Medeiros, a father of two.

Medeiros' last position was as the principal of Ellen R. Hathaway Elementary School in New Bedford. He was formerly an assistant principal at Hayden McFadden Elementary School, also in New Bedford.

Medeiros education includes a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a master’s from Cambridge College.

For Superintendent Doug White and the Rochester Memorial School Committee, the principal search was a familiar process. Last year, following the retirement of long time principal Jay Ryan, the group hired Dr. Moira Rogers for the position.

On May 21, less than a year later, Rogers resigned to take a position at an educational collaborative near Boston.

But, the school committee is rolling with the changes and is excited to have Medeiros on board.

“He will be a great addition to our school community,” said Tina Rood, vice chair of the school committee. “I’m looking forward to the ideas he’s going to bring to the school and the way he will support our school going forward.”

Prior to his administrative positions, Medeiros was an elementary math coach and a math teacher in New Bedford.

These experiences, said Medeiros, are a strength he brings to the job.

"Starting out in middle school as an eighth grade math teacher, that gives me the vision for what our kids are going to need to be exposed to for when they leave us here," he said.

Medeiros also said being an elementary math coach gave him an opportunity to work with teachers at all elementary grade levels.

"It gives me a sense of that collaboration with teachers, coaching, getting into the lesson planning," said Medeiros. "Remembering what it was like to be in the classroom when you do get into administration, I think, is very important."

In a letter announcing the selection of the new principal, White said, “As an administrator, Mr. Medeiros is a consensus builder, who uses a collaborative leadership style to improve the learning of all students. In addition, he has a strong administrative background in curriculum, budget, facilities management, professional development, staff observation, and evaluation techniques.”

All the transition at RMS in recent years, including a major building project, has been challenging, but everyone has come together, said Rood.

“I think one of the strong points of Rochester Memorial is it’s cooperative nature and its’ ability to work together,” she said.

As Medeiros begins his new job on Monday, July 22, Rood expects many will come forward to make him feel at home.

“As with all of our changes, people step forward and offer information and help,” said Rood. “It’s a great opportunity for Rochester Memorial School.”