The person chosen to replace Golden Brook School Principal Beth McGuire when she retires this summer is a familiar one: Deb Armfield, who has been the assistant principal at Windham Center School since July 2006.

“Certainly, I’ve enjoyed my time here,” said Armfield, who was officially hired by the School Board for her new job Feb. 12. “They needed an administrator there and I’ve been impressed with the staff there. It’s an opportunity to have some professional growth, of course. It’s a nice transition for me.”

Before coming to Windham, Armfield taught elementary school students in Iowa, Illinois and Nashua. She holds a bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master of education degree in educational administration from Rivier College in Nashua.

A resident of Hollis, she and her husband, Sam, have three children: Robert, 22, Samuel, 18, and Lauren, 15.

Golden Brook School educates children in transition and in first and second grades, and 534 students are projected to be there this fall. Armfield will have an assistant principal if voters approve a warrant article in March to add the position.

Armfield said she is looking forward to her new job.

“There’s a great staff there,” she said. “I look to continue the work they’ve done. They have a wonderful language arts program and I want to continue that.”

One of the responsibilities that Armfield expects to bear is beginning a public kindergarten program. Last year, state legislators included kindergarten in a definition of an adequate education and a subcommittee has crafted incentives for communities to start programs.

Armfield, who has been spending a half day each week working at Golden Brook School, was the only person interviewed for the job by the School Board.

“We’ve been impressed with her service since she’s been here, and she appeared to be the perfect fit for Golden Brook,” said School Board member Barbara Coish. “She’s enthusiastic; she loves the children. I think parents will relate to her very well.