Winchester Hires New Ambrose Principal

At the start of the year, Winchester needed to replace

And on Thursday, McAlduff announced the hiring of Leigh Petrowsky of Glastonbury, CT, as the new principal of the

“Ms. Petrowsky is an intelligent, compassionate and dedicated educator,” McAlduff said. “Her passion for elementary education and commitment to collaborative leadership makes her an excellent match for the Ambrose School. I am confident that as the educational leader of the Ambrose School community she will work effectively with staff, students and parents in continuing to develop, promote, and celebrate a positive school culture and climate.”

Petrowsky is currently the Elementary Literacy Administrator for the Grafton Public Schools.

Prior to her current position Petrowsky spent four years as the Assistant Principal at the Grafton Elementary School. She has also taught fourth and fifth grade in both Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Last year, principals () and Evander French () announced their retirement, while Lisa McManus () and Dr. Stephen Goodwin Jr. () have taken similar positions in other school districts.

The Search Advisory Committee and McAlduff appointed . Barbara Manfredi, a former Lexington principal, came out of retirement to accept an interim position at Ambrose. And at the middle school, longtime A was also given the interim designation.

In February, MCAlduff announced the appointment of 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. 

Petrowsky will begin in her new role on July 1.

“Ms. Petrowsky will be a visible administrator who will work effectively with the Ambrose community in helping to lead the school staff, students and parents beyond our transition year to a period of consistency, growth and continued success in all aspects of our work,” McAlduff said.  

McAlduff also wanted to thank and commend the Search Advisory Committee for their “thoughtful, energetic, and insightful participation in the search process.  Each member’s commitment of time and expertise served the school community well.”

The SAC was made up of staff members Jennifer Cataldo, Nancy Gurney, Rebecca Mis, Judy Shaw, Laurie Traugot and Laurie Kirby and parents Elaine Belinsky, Patrick Fortin, Maria O’Connor and Rob Walsh.

McAlduff said that he hoped to announce the new McCall principal by the end of the week.