HAMPTON -- Marston Elementary School Vice Principal Lois Costa said "home is where the heart is," and that is why she has agreed to become the school's new principal.

While Costa was offered a job May 30 to become the next principal of Molin Elementary in Newburyport, Mass., she made the decision to stay in Hampton.

"When people asked me why I decided to stay, the answer is ... 'This is my home and there is no greater reward than giving back to your home community.'"

Costa said she applied for the Newburyport job back in March to see what other opportunities were out there. It was the first time she applied for another position since joining Marston on July 1, 2000.

"It was about options," said Costa. "I didn't know where it was going to go. It was reaffirming for me as a professional to know that I was valued and wanted in another district."

But when it came down to making a decision on whether to stay or go, Costa said it was easier than she thought it would be.

"Newburyport is wonderful town and it has a great schools, but my heart is here in Hampton," Costa said.

Costa said she is looking forward to being the school's principal next year. She was appointed to the position by the Hampton School Board on March 30.

Current Principal Dave O'Connor is moving to Hampton Academy, replacing outgoing Principal Chris Sousa.

"This is a wonderful school." Costa said. "We have a supportive community, great staff, and the children are fantastic. This is a community that supports children, and that is why I moved here."

For the first two years working at Marston, she commuted from Bedford.

"I chose to move my family here and to raise my two daughters because I saw all that was good in Hampton," Costa said. "I have not regretted that decision one bit."

Prior to becoming vice principal at Marston, Costa was a Grade 3 classroom teacher from 1988 to 1994 at the Reeds Ferry School in Merrimack, and served as curriculum facilitator at the Reeds Ferry School until 2000.