Swampscott High names new principal

SWAMPSCOTT – A new principal has been chosen for Swampscott High School.Superintendent Matthew Malone said Thursday that Brian L. Salzer will replace Principal Lawrence Murphy, who is leaving the district June 30 when his three-year contract expires.”I think he’s going to be great,” Malone said of Salzer. “He’s smart and brings a lot to the table. I think he’s very calm and mature in his leadership. He’s very personable, a good communicator and humble. I think he’s a good match for the type of leader we’re looking for. He was clearly the first choice of the students and staff.”The other three finalists were Kathleen Dawson, Philip Conrad and Layne Millington. Salzer is Principal of Newton South High School. Prior to his tenure in Newton, he was principal of Sauk Prairie High School in Prairie du Sac, Wis.Salzer’s background includes teaching both English and Social Studies. He is a Fulbright Scholar who holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Wisconsin, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Wisconsin and an Educational Specialist degree in Leadership and Policy Analysis, also from the University of Wisconsin.In November Salzer was a finalist for the superintendent position in Lynn but pulled his name from consideration.Malone said the search process was competitive and all of the applicants were well qualified.”One attribute that remained constant throughout the process was the positive feedback that I received regarding Brian Salzer,” he said. “This feedback was verified through innumerable reference and background checks as well as by our site visit to Newton South High School. As a result, it is clear to me that Mr. Salzer will be an excellent fit to lead the teaching and learning at Swampscott High School in the 21st Century.”