New principal appointed to South School
Published on June 19th, 2002
STONEHAM, MA - South School students have more to celebrate than just summer vacation this week. They now have a new principal who officially will be on board on July 1 and ready to greet students when they return in September.
Nicholas Leonardos, currently finishing up as principal of Kingston Elementary School in Kingston, MA, part of the Silver Lake Regional School District, was signed on and as South School’s new principal on Thursday night by the School Committee.
Leonardos beat out a field of over 40 applicants for the position and, according to School Superintendent Joseph Connelly, secured glowing references. In a conversation with Connelly, a representative of Kingston Elementary School PTO called Leonardos a very caring individual and praised him for his tremendous rapport with staff. His loss, she said, will be a big one for Kingston.
Pembroke Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Randall said Leonardos is mature beyond his years and would be her first choice as an administrator if an opening presented itself in her district.
Leonardos said that he was impressed with the public school system in Stoneham. His decision to leave Kingston was a difficult one following three successful years there, two as principal, and one as assistant principal. However, he was eager to work with South School’s K through 5 population (Kingston Elementary is K through 2) and to involve himself in the MCAS process.
“I love younger children, but I miss the older ones...I’m very happy to be here... I look forward to a long career in the Stoneham Public Schools.”
Leonardos’ previous work experience also includes teaching assignments in Los Angeles, Houston and closer to home in Waltham. One of his most valued experiences, he said, was that as Lead Teacher and Academy Director of the Renaissance Charter School in Boston.
Connelly called Leonardos a mature and experienced candidate who fully understood his role as an elementary school principal and further understood the many critical issues facing education.
“It is for these reasons that I am totally confident that we found the right person for South School,” Connelly said.
The South School has not had a full time permanent principal since Dr. Paula Sline retired in January. Following her departure, South School fifth grade teacher Bill Taylor took on the role of acting principal and split his time between the front office and the classroom which he loves.
Taylor joined the ranks of others recognized for their outstanding commitment to the Stoneham Public Schools on Thursday as the School Committee presented him with their Crystal Apple Award.
Taylor was also praised for his dedication to Stoneham students since 1973, and for his availability to both students and parents. Taylor also was a source of support to South School staff and students upon the untimely death of Guidance Counselor Peter Greenberg.
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