Three Finalists Selected in Waltham High School Principal Search

WALTHAM, MA — Three finalists have been selected in the search for Waltham’s next school high school principal.

Two of the finalists work within the district: Darrell Braggs and Brenda Peña are both associate principals at Waltham High School.

Michael James, the third candidate, has 16 years leading schools in Colorado, according to the district.

Between Jan. 11 to Jan. 29, some 28 people applied for the role.

The screening committee—which has 18 members consisting of students, staff, parents, school administrators, and community members—interviewed nine applicants this week before identifying the three finalists.

Braggs, Peña and James are attending virtual visits at Waltham High School on March 3 and 4 to meet with school staff, administrators, and students. They’ll be able to introduce themselves and answer questions at a community and family forum at 6 p.m. March 4

A final decision is expected by March 15.

The new principal is slated to start July 1, and take over for Deputy Superintendent Paul Maiorano who stepped in as interim principal after 35 year veteran of the education world Waltham High School Principal Gregory DeMeo retired in 2018.

The district went through a search process in late 2018 to 2019, but at the end of it, then Superintendent Drew Echelson told the community none of the candidates were ready to become Waltham's next high school principal.

Attend the community forum March 4 here.

[Editor's note: This article has been corrected to clarify the open position is Waltham High School principal.]