Waltham Names Associate Principal For Waltham High

WALTHAM, MA — The district named a Chelmsford High School dean of students as the new associate principal for the high school.

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

Robert Lyons, the new associate principal will begin July 1.

Some 37 people applied for the position, which was advertised in April. A 13-member screening committee composed of school administrators, instructional staff, parents, community members, and students interviewed eight candidates. Lyons won out over Melanee Alexander, who is an associate dean of students at Brookline High School since 2006 and Kerry Dunne who is history and social studies department head of the Weston Public Schools

Lyons has been the dean of students at Chelmsford High School since 2014. Prior to that, he worked for a decade 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 his bachelors degree in Education from Salem State University, his masters degrree in Education in Organizational Management from Endicott College and got his doctorate in Education in Educational Leadership from the University of New England.

"Individuals were impressed by his experience as a former teacher and current administrator," according to a district announcement. "Feedback [during the search process] also highlighted his commitment to supporting all learners, working to establish positive relationships with students and families, in addition to developing and strengthening restorative practices."

Previously: Waltham High New Principal Named: Brenda Peña