MANCHESTER, N.H.— Manchester School District is pleased to announce Ms. Jennifer Marino as the new principal, and Ms. Alicia Doucet as the new assistant principal of Southside Middle School. The Board of School Committee approved the hirings of Marino and Doucet at the August 10, 2026 meeting.
Jennifer Marino- Principal
Jennifer Marino most recently served as the principal at Mount Prospect Academy in Hampton. She is no stranger to Manchester School District though, serving as the Director of Multilingual Learner Education in 2011, where she provided instructional leadership, supported teachers and strengthened programming for multilingual learners. Marino is fluent in Spanish, allowing her to communicate directly with many of our multilingual families, fostering strong partnerships and meaningful family engagement.
“Jennifer’s proven experience as a school principal, collaborative leadership style, and systems-oriented approach to school improvement makes her exceptionally well-qualified to lead Southside Middle School,” said Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Chmiel. “She is a relationship-centered leader who empowers staff, uses data to inform decision-making, and maintains high expectations for both students and educators. We are excited to see the positive impact she will have on the Southside community.”
Marino succeeds former principal Dr. James Frier, who served as principal of Southside for the 2025-26 school year.
“It’s an incredible honor to be named the new principal of Southside Middle School and work in the city of Manchester again,” said Marino. “I look forward to partnering closely with Manchester families, our dedicated staff and the entire community to support our students’ academic and personal growth during these critical middle school years. I am most excited to create new opportunities for students and staff and to grow together as Spartans!”
Alicia Doucet- Assistant Principal
Alicia Doucet moves into the assistant principal position after serving as a Southside teacher, positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) counselor, leader of Southside’s Multi-Tiered System of Support for Behavioral Health and Wellness (MTSS-B) tier one team, and cross country coach, as well as JV basketball coach at Central. She has worked for the district for more than a decade, after attending Smyth Road Elementary, Hillside Middle School and Central High School as a student.
“It is clear that Alicia is prepared to take the next step in her leadership journey,” said Dr. Chmiel. “Her deep knowledge of the school community, her leadership experience, and her student-centered mindset make her exceptionally well-suited for the role of assistant principal. I am confident she will continue to serve the Southside community with the same professionalism, dedication, and care that have defined her career.”
Doucet succeeds former assistant principal Dan Wyborney, who departed Southside at the end of last school year.
“I am incredibly honored to take on the role of assistant principal at Southside.,” said Doucet. “I am excited for the opportunity to step into a leadership role where I can make a bigger impact through supporting and empowering both students and staff. Most of all, I look forward to shining a light on the community and pride that comes with being a Southside Spartan.”
Congratulations to Jennifer Marino and Alicia Doucet on their new positions!