Waltham Names 3 Associate Principal Finalists For Waltham High

WALTHAM, MA — The district is closer to finding a new associate principal for the high school. The Waltham Public Schools District Monday announced they have chosen three finalists to fill the role.

It's a position that Brenda Peña leaves vacant as she becomes the new principal beginning in July.

The new associate principal will also begin July 1.

Some 37 people applied for the position, which was advertised last month. A 13-member screening committee composed of school administrators, instructional staff, parents, community members, and students interviewed eight candidates on May 11, 12 and 13. Three made it through to the next round, including an associate dean at Brookline High School, a history teacher in Weston, and a Chelmsford High School dean of students.

The finalists:

● Melanee Alexander: She has been an associate dean of students at Brookline High School since 2006. Prior to that, Alexander was the dean of support services at The Steppingstone Foundation where she designed programs to advance the future college admission of academically talented, underserved middle and high school students. Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from Duke University, a Master of Science degree in Nonprofit Management from The New School for Public Engagement (NY), and a Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership from Simmons College.
● Kerry Dunne: She has more than 20 years of leadership experience in history and social studies education. Since 2016, she has served as the grade 6-12 history and social studies department head of the Weston Public Schools. Dunne has held similar positions as the K-12 director of history and social studies in both the Boston and Arlington Public Schools. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and political science from Marquette University, a Master of Education from UMass Amherst, and an Ed.D. in administration from Boston College.
● Robert Lyons:He has served as a dean of students at Chelmsford High School since 2014. Prior to his current role, he worked for 10 years in public education serving as an assistant principal at King Philip Middle School, and a history teacher at the Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School in Norwood and the Mary Elizabeth McGrath Educational Center in Millbury. Lyons earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Salem State University, a Master of Education in Organizational Management from Endicott College and a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.

The finalists will participate in virtual staff forums scheduled for Wednesday, May 19.

Previously: Waltham High New Principal Named: Brenda Peña