Schools

Finalists Chosen for New Coolidge Principal

Three finalists are in the running for the position.

UPDATE: Superintendent John Doherty confirmed that Adam Colantuoni withdrew his name from consideration as he accepted a principal position in another school district.

Reading Public Schools announced the finalists for the position of Coolidge Middle School principal this week, according to the Daily Times Chronicle. Current principal Craig Martin was appointed to the position of Assistant Superintendent for Learning and Teaching. Martin will replace Patty de Garavilla after she retires in June.

The finalists are Assistant Principal of Galvin Middle School in Wakefield Adam Colantuoni, Assistant Principal of Jonas Clarke Middle School in Lexington and Reading resident Jennifer Turner and former Headmaster of Dover-Sherborn Middle School Frederick A. Randall, the Chronicle said.

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"It is with great interest that I am submitting my resume for the position of principal of the Coolidge Middle School. I have four years of successful experience as an assistant principal and have demonstrated excellent leadership skills in promoting a positive learning environment and healthy school culture," Colantuoni said in his cover letter. "I have been able to achieve this through exhibiting effective communication and interpersonal skills and meeting the needs of students, teachers, parents, and the communities I have had the honor of serving."

He went on to say that his "priority is to build trusting and respectful relationships with parents and teachers to meet the best needs of students and to ensure best instructional practices within the classroom."

Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Randall said in his cover letter, "My personal commitment and vocation to educational excellence, collaborative leadership style, educational background and middle school work experiences are an outstanding match for what the Reading School Community is searching for in its next Middle School Principal."

He said he left the position of headmaster of Dover Sherborn Middle School after seven years "for personal reasons."

"It was a difficult and even painful decision for me to make. It was necessary for me to address some extremely sensitive personal and family health circumstances. I am pleased to report that my treatment and care are significantly ahead of projected schedule. I am delighted, and relieved, to know that I will be back to 100 percent capacity, without limitation, by early Spring 2013," he said.

In her cover letter, Turner said, "A lifelong learner and instructional leader, I believe in fostering the social and emotional growth of students while improving instruction in order to eliminate achievement gaps. I do not think this is an impossible dream. In fact, I know that with the implementation of collaborative communities, a firm foundation of trust between teachers, administration and families, and instructional practices that are research-based, individualized, and include appropriate and current technological tools, that dream can become a reality."

She went on to say that in her current role she oversees a "diverse population of over 860 students and approximately 120 staff."

In addition to her position as the assistant principal of Jonas Clarke Middle School, Turner is also a Doctoral Candidate at Northeastern University.

The final decision is expected to be announced next week.


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