Schools

BOE Taps Bolton to Take Helm of McKinley

RIS assistant principal takes the helm of town's smallest school.

Matt Bolton can hang up one of his hats today.

Bolton, the assistant principal at Roosevelt Intermediate School and interim principal of Lincoln School, was named Tuesday evening as the new principal of McKinley School. Bolton, who has been with the school district for three years starts his duties at the helm of McKinley today.

Schools Superintendent Margaret Dolan said she was recommending the appointment based on Bolton's contributions to the district and his vision for McKinley School. Bolton has been known for his data driven analysis of issues and planning for the future. He took over the Lincoln post in April when principal Audrey Zavetz went on a medical leave ending today.

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"Mr. Bolton has proven to be a bright, innovative and enthusiastic leader," Dolan said in a press release. "I am very pleased to recommend him as the principal of McKinley School. He has worked effectively as an administrator and I am confident he is the right match for this position."

Bolton was chosen by a selection committee consisting of school district executives, teachers, BOE members, parents and Jefferson Principal Jeanette Munoz. Susanne Bonhote and Joe Paradise, teachers at McKinley, were members of the committee.

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Bolton, one of 90 applicants for the post, is a graduate of Seton Hall University. He holds a master's degree in educational leadership from the Bank Street College of Education. He taught sixth grade Social Studies and second grade in Fair Lawn from 2001 to 2007. He came to Westfield in 2007 as Roosevelt's assistant principal.

"I'm excited to get over to McKinley and do the meaningful work of getting to know the school stakeholders," Bolton said.

Bolton succeeds Claudia Andreski, the principal for the last eight years, who retired after 31 years in the school district.

Members of the board expressed support for the appointment.

"It is exciting," BOE President Julia Walker said. "The opportunities are limitless, we see nothing but new energy. On behalf of Westfield we are thrilled to do this."

 


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