ATHOL – A selection committee put together to find the next principal of the Royalston Community School has winnowed the field of applicants down to two finalists. The successful candidate will replace Beth Craven, who is leaving the post after one year to take a position closer to her home.
The two finalists to succeed Craven are Maryalice Aker, currently the principal at Toy Town Elementary School in Winchendon, and Cinthia Reilly, who has served for six years as deputy principal at Dexter Park Elementary School in Orange.
Aker earned her Master of Education from Fitchburg State College(now University) in 2005. She has been employed in Winchendon for 18 years, first as teacher, then as lead teacher. She was appointed principal in 2016 by then-Supt. Steven Haddad.
In her cover letter to ARRSD Supt. Darcy Fernandes, Aker said her strengths “include curriculum development, data analysis, teacher mentoring, and organization.”
She went on to describe herself as “dedicated and passionate,” adding that she believes in “working hard and having open communication.”
“The key to creating a successful school,” said Aker, “is to be a positive role model and acknowledge hard work and dedication in others. Good administrators know how to wrk with teachers and parents to bring about positive change and school improvement.”
For her part, Reilly is currently working on her Master of Special Education from Kansas University, having completed 18 credit hours thus far. Her concentration is on autism. She also earned a Master of Education from Fitchburg State College in 2005. Previously she had earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Fitchburg State and an Associate of Science degree in General Studies from Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner.
Reilly described herself as “a skilled and enthusiastic professional with experience in special education, curriculum planning, student discipline, and student and family relations.”
“Supervising and coaching teaching staff,” she continued, “implementing school policies, leading assessments, and managing extracurricular programs are just a few of the areas in which I excel. My passion for cultivating rewarding, dynamic, and high-performing educational environments has successfully resulted in high levels of team work and excellent student experiences.”
The selection committee, chaired by Athol High School Principal Mary Jane Rickson, is comprised of several district administrators, as well as an employee and a teacher at Royalston Community School, and one parent. Parents, staff, and community members had a chance to meet and size up the finalists during a meet and greet held at RCS.
A final decision is expected soon.