Swampscott names new school super

SWAMPSCOTT – The School Committee has signed a contract with Lynne Celli, who will become the town’s superintendent of schools.School Committee Chairman Joseph Crimmins said the deal is a three-year contract, which pays $160,000 the first year.”She is starting June 1, which makes a lot of sense,” Crimmins said. “She is coming in while the system is running and she can get a good feel for it. Then she will have the summer to prepare for fall. “The School Committee looks forward to an exciting and productive relationship with Dr. Celli.”Last month the School voted unanimously to offer Celli the job. Celli most recently was the assistant superintendent/principal of Nashoba Valley Technical School District in Westford.”I am so excited,” Celli said. “I am planning on a couple of transition days and spending some time in the (Swampscott) district in May. I am so excited. I want to get into the school to meet the principals, teachers and some of the kids.”In her interview with the School Committee last month, Celli stressed the importance of collaborative relationships and said her entry plan is to listen to stakeholders before making any changes, which struck a chord with the School Committee.Celli received her doctorate in education in 1991 from Boston College. Prior to working at Nashoba Valley, she served for four years as the deputy superintendent in Lexington. From August 2002 through June 30, 2005, she was the curriculum director in Gardner and she did a two-year stint as principal of the Johnny Appleseed School in Leominster from 2000 until 2002.