PLAINVILLE - A veteran teacher from Norwood has been appointed the new principal of Wood Elementary School.

Superintendent David Raiche named Sean Richardson, 42, to succeed Peg Myers at the Wood School. Myers recently retired after working more than 11 years in the Plainville school system, the last nine as principal.

Richardson has agreed to a contract and started work at Wood on July 1, Raiche said. Richardson's first impressions of the school and the district have been positive, the superintendent said.

Richardson, Raiche said, believes that "he can continue to foster the strong commitment to educational excellence that is a hallmark of the Plainville schools."

Prior to coming to Plainville, Richardson taught for 11 years at Balch Elementary School in Norwood. He was selected and represented Norwood as the town's 2007 Teacher of the Year and also served as the building's technology facilitator. According to a statement from Raiche, John Condlin, principal of Balch Elementary, said this about Richardson: "His work and impeccable character will provide the kind of leadership that will enhance the quality of education in Plainville."

Raiche said he was "extremely impressed" with the pool of candidates who applied for the Wood School job and selected Richardson as the "best of the best."

Richardson joined Raiche, the other members of his administrative team and the five-member school committee at the district's annual summer summit on July 2 and is ready to implement this district's strategic action plan for the coming school year, the superintendent said.