Super Hopes New HS Principal Selected By Last Day of School

Less than 24 hours after, Belmont's interim superintendent set an aggressive schedule for hiring Harvey's replacement.

Dr. Thomas Kingston told the at its Tuesday night meeting, May 8, that he hopes to name the new headmaster for Belmont High by June 14, the last day of classes.

"It is an ambitious time line but I believe we will have excellent candidates" who will apply for the position, said Kingston.

"Let's make lemonade with the lemons of (Harvey) leaving," said Kingston.

Harvey's successor will be expected to lead a school whose pupils rank as some of the best in the country. Yesterday, before the meeting, with nearly 95 percent of students proficient in both math and English.

Kingston and Laurie Graham, chairwoman of the School Committee, have meet to discuss the screening process in finding between three to five candidates for Kingston and Assistant Superintendent Janice Darias to interview as finalists.

Kingston has sent invitations to eight people to join the screening committee. So far, School Committee member Anne Lougee and Lindsey Rinder, director of English, ELL and Reading for Belmont Schools, have accepted being on the committee.

Two members from the Belmont Education Association – the union representing teachers – two parents including one from the Belmont High School Parents Teacher Association and two members from the community will be the remaining members of the committee.

Harvey's departure comes as the District is also in the process of replacing William T. Pappazisis, the longtime and successful director of Fine & Performing Arts.