McMenimen tapped as Middle School choice
Published on June 29th, 2005
School Superintendent Dr. Joseph Connelly named current Assistant Principal Christine McMenimen the Stoneham Middle School’s newest top manager, filling the vacancy left by veteran Principal James Andreottolla.
According to Connelly, McMenimen beat out more than 40 candidates who applied for the position, and was largely chosen because of her dedication at the middle school over the past 16 years.
"Christine surfaced as the strongest candidate first and foremost because she’s been a teacher and administrator for over 20 years," the Superintendent explained. "She has a strong working knowledge of the middle school, and she’s committed to middle school education."
Excited to begin her new role, which will officially begin on Aug. 15, the new middle school principal believed that her tenure as assistant principal under her predecessor has prepared her well for the position.
But while former Middle School Principal James Andreottolla allowed McMenimen to flourish by allowing her to assume a number of responsibilities, including acting as the facility’s disciplinarian, hiring new staff, and working on yearly budgets, the eight-year veteran of school administration counts her rapport with the school’s students her best attribute.
"I’m very excited. Being in the community for 16-years, I feel like Stoneham is my home away from home," McMenimen said. "Jimmy A. or Mr. A as the students call him, has certainly allowed me to be part of his team. Certainly he’s provided me with a type of ‘hit the ground running’ training."
"I think I have a particular balance with being firm while being approachable at the same time. And that helps me, because they certainly are a different breed, for lack of a better term," the new principal added.
According to School Committee Chairwoman Marie Christie, who served on the selection committee of teachers, administrators, and parents that narrowed down the position’s applicants to four finalists, a number of the new principal’s qualities stood out to her.
Like Connelly, Christie’s choices were made almost solely on previous administrative and teaching experience with middle school aged children. And while the School Committee Chairwoman found all of the finalists well-suited for the job, she’s very excited that McMenimen was ultimately selected.
"She bleeds blue blood for Stoneham. And I think she’s a terrific choice. The kids really respect her, and that’s what you need at that age-level. She’s a disciplinarian, but one with a heart. And that’s very crucial," Christie said.
"For me, I know what we have in-house, but I don’t know everybody else. Sometimes people look very good on paper and interview well, but aren’t perhaps the best candidate," the long-time School Committee member added.
According to McMenimen, although she understands the nature of the town’s fiscal situation, one of her top priorities as middle school principal will be advocating for the return of lost positions and programs.
Perhaps the highest-ranking concern, the return of the middle school team concept – which will require rehiring approximately four teaching positions – will be a constant focus.
"Certainly, we’re in tough economic times. But we’re ready for the challenge and I will continue to advocate for the middle school concept. That includes bringing back the team concept and exploratory courses."
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