Vinson-Owen Has a New Principal

will have a new principal next year.

announced the appointment of Grant Smith of Malden as the new Principal of the Vinson-Owen Elementary School. Smith is currently in his third year as Assistant Principal of the Harrington Elementary School in Lexington. 

“Mr. Smith is an intelligent, energetic and dedicated educator,” McAlduff said. “His  passion for elementary education and commitment to collaborative leadership makes him an excellent match for the Vinson-Owen School. I am confident that as the educational leader of the VO School community he will work effectively with staff, students and parents in continuing to develop, promote, and celebrate the positive school culture and climate that is already a most important component of the VO School community.”

Smith's appointment is effective July 1.

Long-time Vinson-Owen Principal, this past September after 19 years at the school.

Sabelli left at a unique time for the school. Not only will this be the last year in the current building, but Vinson-Owen was also recently awarded the

Bob Arsenault, who had spent 24 years in the Wilmington School District before coming out of retirement, filledat Vinson-Owen.

Smith has nine years of teaching experience at the elementary level. He started his career as a fourth grade teacher at the Roseland Christian School, an inner city school in Chicago. Prior to taking the position in Lexington he taught third grade at the Dolbeare Elementary School in Wakefield.

“Mr. Smith will be a visible administrator who will work collaboratively with the VO community in helping to lead the school staff, students and parents through a successful transition period while a new school is being built and the students and staff occupy the Parkhurst School,” McAlduff said.

McAlduff also thanked the Search Advisory Committee (SAC) for their help. The SAC was made up of staff members Chris Kelley, Kerry Brodeur, Patti Costopulos, Anne Crowley, Jeanine Freimont, Jill Pappas, Karen Rizzuti and parents Cindy Bohne, Cathy Fair, Brenda Mandile and Jen Rich.