By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen K. Zrike has announced the names of two finalists for Walton School principal.
They are Shawn Maguire, currently principal of the Rockport Elementary School, and Tracey Mara, Teachers21 educational consultant and former principal of the Upham Elementary School in Wellesley.
Maguire was educated at California State University at Fullerton where he received his master’s degree in science (educational administration). He also received his bachelor of science degree in secondary education, with a minor in English from the University of Maine at Farmington.
He began his career in education in August 1992 in Marshfield, teaching grade two and grade three students.
Mara studied at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville where she received her master’s degree in education. She also received her bachelor of arts degree fem Boston College.
Mara began her career in education at the Lura A. White School in Shirley in July 1997.
She has been a consultant for Teachers21, an organization that offers customized professional development, training, coaching and consulting for district and school leaders in planning, content, leadership, culture, teaching and learning and supporting specialists, according to the organization’s website.
“The two finalists were selected from a talented pool of 50 applicants,” Zrike commented.
If offered the position and accepted, either Maguire or Mara will replace Margo Perriello, who moved over to the Doyle School (Early Childhood Center) on Paul Avenue as director at the beginning of academic year 2014-2015.
Maguire and Mara will visit the Walton School on Monday, Feb. 23, to spend time with Dr. Zrike observing classrooms and discussing their experience, leadership skills and vision for the school.
The Walton School staff will also have the opportunity to speak with Maguire and Mara and give their feedback on the finalists on that day.
Parent and community sessions to meet Maguire and Mara then will be held Thursday, Feb. 26. Mara is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and Maguire at 7:15 p.m.
The public is invited to attend the sessions to ask questions, learn more about each candidate and provide feedback.
Zrike made a point of thanking the Interview Committee for their efforts on behalf of the Walton School.
