Published in the July 25, 2017 edition.

WAKEFIELD — Tonight and tomorrow, members of the Walton and Dolbeare communities will have a chance to meet candidates for the open principal positions at the respective elementary schools.

Tonight is the Walton’s turn. Beginning at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium, the public is invited to meet principal hopefuls Carolyn Shediac and Elaina Byrne. Shediac will be available from 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. and Byrne will be available from 7 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.

From 7:50 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees will be allowed to offer their input on the candidates.

Carolyn Shediac comes from the Arlington Public Schools, where she is a math coach and a leader of curriculum and instruction throughout her district. Shediac was initially interviewed by the Dolbeare team, but during the second round of interviews, officials noted that her experience and skills are also a strong match for the Walton School.

“We look forward to the Walton interview team and community meeting her and providing us with feedback,” said Supt. of Schools Dr. Kim Smith.

Elaina Byrne comes from the Beverly Public Schools, where she has most recently served as a school principal. According to Smith, “Elaina has highly relevant leadership experience coupled with a rich background in curriculum, instruction, Special Education and social emotional learning.”

Each candidate will provide introductory remarks, and then engage in individual and small group dialogue with the Walton School community. Refreshments will be served.

The participation of Walton students is encouraged.

Smith said, “Your feedback is important to us, so please share your feedback for each candidate via an online survey. Hard copies will also be available at the event. Here is the survey link: https://goo.gl/forms/QPx7CTUGfIaq10kz1

“In the coming week, Assistant Superintendent (Douglas) Lyons and I will continue to check references and interact with our finalists before arriving at a decision. Thank you for your participation in this important process.

The vacancies are due to the departures of Dr. Maureen Hughes at the Dolbeare and Jeri Hammond at the Walton.

Administrators invite the Dolbeare School community to join them on Wednesday evening, July 26, to meet two candidates for principal, beginning at 6 p.m. in the gymnasium:

Juliana Schneider will be available from 6 p.m. to 6:50 p.m. and Elaina Byrne — also a candidate for the Walton position — will be available from 7 p.m. to 7:50 p.m.

There will be time for attendees to submit a feedback survey from 7:50 to 8 p.m.

Schneider comes from the Acton-Boxborough Regional School District, where she is an elementary school assistant principal. Schneider has a range of exciting experiences in education and is a compelling candidate for the Dolbeare School, Smith said.

Byrne was initially interviewed by the Walton team, but during the second round of interviews, it was clear that her experience and skill set is also an excellent match for the Dolbeare School.

Like at the Walton, each Dolbeare candidate will provide introductory remarks, and then engage in individual and small group dialogue with the Dolbeare School community. Refreshments will be served.

The participation of Dolbeare students is encouraged.

Smith also wrote to Dolbeare parents, “Your feedback is important to us, so please share your feedback for each candidate via an online survey. Hard copies will be available at the event. Here is the survey link: https://goo.gl/forms/URa0fTDwC4r7gVGc2

“In the coming week, Assistant Superintendent (Douglas) Lyons and I will continue to check references and interact with our finalists before arriving at a decision. Thank you for your participation in this important process.”