NASHUA – Chas Miller believes that Ledge Street Elementary School is on the verge of something great.

As the new principal at Ledge Street, he comes in during a time of some instability after several changes in school leadership during the course of a year.

However, he said Wednesday he “could not have found a better fit for me.”

As principal, Miller believes “everybody needs a voice in the school.” Throughout the year, he will be hosting “listening tours” in the community to hear feedback from staff, parents and students: what they prefer about Ledge Street and what they do not.

Wednesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Nashua, he officiated the first such “tour.” It was small, with only a few parents and their children, but Miller said that was normal for the first time.

He has been hosting these tours for several years at his previous schools in North Carolina and Washington, all in hope of discovering what parents and students want from their school.

“I’m listening to understand,” he said.

One mother said she was concerned about the school’s reputation, having heard about the sudden removal of former principal Janet Valeri and former vice principal Tiffany Hyatt at the end of last year. She previously worked at Amherst Street School where her daughter Scarlet, who will enter second grade this year, had thrived. She wanted to make sure her daughter would have the same opportunities to do so at Ledge Street.

Miller answered questions to the best of his ability, taking suggestions for more student artwork displayed on the walls and the opportunity for more parent involvement.

“How you feel when you walk into the school is what is most important,” he told Scarlet and another girl, Willa, who is entering first grade.

Willa, who, as with Scarlet, stayed mostly quiet during the hour-long event, suggested she would like to see more party decorations in the school, such as streamers and balloons. Miller added this to his list.

There will be another listening tour for parents and students of Ledge Street School from 6:30-8 p.m. today at the YMCA of Greater Nashua, 24 Stadium Drive.

Hannah LaClaire can be reached at 594-1243 or hlaclaire@nashuatelegraph.com.