Helayne Talbott, principal of New Searles Elementary School, was recently chosen as the new director of Career Technical Education. Courtesy photo/Nashua School District

NASHUA – The Board of Education, during its March 25 meeting, approved the recommendation of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Mario Andrade to select Helayne Talbott, principal of New Searles Elementary School, as the new director of Career Technical Education.

In her new role, which takes effect on July 1, Talbott will primarily be responsible for leading the Nashua Technology Center which serves the district’s two high schools.

Since its inception 40 years ago, the CTE program attracts approximately 1,300 students each year.

The program also provides vocational training for students from eight surrounding communities including Hudson, Amherst, Merrimack and Milford.

“I’m super excited,” Talbott said of her new position, adding that she began her career in CTE nearly 30 years ago. “It brings me full circle.”

Although Nashua has the largest CTE program in the state, she said there is an ongoing need for significant community outreach.

“A lot of parents don’t even know (CTE) exists,” said Talbott. “There hasn’t been a stable director for quite some time.”

A building administrator for the past 17 years, Talbott has held a number of senior-level positions at Nashua High School South including assistant principal. She was also an assistant principal at Fairgrounds Middle School for three years before taking the helm at New Searles in 2018.

In addition, Talbott was an adjunct professor at Nashua Community College where she taught early childhood education.

With “five to seven years” remaining in her career, Talbott said she was beginning to feel “a little antsy” in her current position.

“It just made sense,” she said of her decision to return to CTE.

Talbott holds a Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences interdisciplinary/child and family studies from Stony Brook University as well as a Master’s Degree in education and a Principal Certification from Rivier University.

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