Charlie Breitrose
Lowell School in Watertown.
After a long, intense search, Stacey Phelan was named as Lowell School’s new principal.
Phelan will begin her new position on July 1, 2017, said interim Superintendent John Brackett. She comes to Watertown from Swampscott, where she has been the principal of Hadley Elementary School for the past three years. Before that she was vice principal at Connery Elementary School in Lynn.
“She has worked at both high-performing schools and turn around schools,” Brackett said.
Phelan was chosen from 50 applicants. The search committee narrowed the pool to eight who were interviewed. Three finalists were chosen. Brackett said he worked with incoming Superintendent Dede Galdston to make the appointment.
“All three finalists were highly qualified so it really was finding the best match for the school,” Brackett said.
Phelan’s main focus is on educating students, and she has a collaborative style and works closely with parents, Brackett said.
Brackett also thanked Lowell’s interim principal, Phil Oates, who took over this year after Elizabeth Kaplan became Watertown’s Elementary Math and Science Coordinator.
“He has earned our thanks and respect for the job he’s done in the interim assignment,” Brackett said.
Phelan will be at the School Committee’s special meeting on Thursday night at 6 p.m. in Town Hall. They will also vote on the 2017-18 School Budget that night.