When students return to Concord-Carlisle High School this fall, they'll be greeted by a new assistant principal.

Jennifer Scott officially joined the school on July 1, filling the leadership vacancy left by Darius Green's departure in May.

Scott comes from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, where she spent the past four years helping school districts improve teaching and leadership. But she said she missed being where the action is.

"I realized the time that I talk most about the job that I'm currently doing is when I'm in schools," Scott told The Concord Bridge. "I knew that I wanted to return to the day-to-day work with students and teachers and families."

Scott said one part of the interview process stood out: students helped interview her.

A student-led panel, along with the school's emphasis on both academic excellence and student support, convinced her Concord-Carlisle was the right fit.

She now joins co-principals Brian Miller and Katie Stahl, along with Assistant Principal Megan Maines, in leading the school's 1,100-plus students.

Rather than making immediate changes, Scott said her first priority is getting to know students, staff and families.

She hopes to build strong relationships while making sure every student has access to meaningful academic, athletic and extracurricular opportunities.

Scott's arrival follows the departure of former Assistant Principal Darius Green in May. The district has not commented on his exit.

The Concord-Carlisle Regional School Committee next meets Aug. 26, though no agenda has been released.