Saugus super tabs 2 new principals

SAUGUS – Superintendent Richard Langlois announced at Thursday?s School Committee meeting that he has hired two new principals to take over at the Veterans and Oaklandvale elementary schools.Langlois named Jean Perry, principal of West Parrish Elementary School in Gloucester, for the Veterans School and Eric Jones, vice-principal and special education coordinator at Berkowitz Elementary School in Chelsea, for the Oaklandvale School.According to Langlois, Perry has worked as a special education teacher and also has a master?s degree in special education. Jones also holds a master?s degree, said Langlois.?These are outstanding considerations and they?re excited to come on board on July 1,” said Langlois. “The people that interviewed are also happy with the choice and that will make the transition easier.”Kelly Moss has been serving as interim principal at the Veterans School since former principal Uri Harel stepped down last year. Moss was also a finalist for the position. Current Oaklandvale principal Dr. Kathleen Stanton will be retiring after this year.In other business, the School Committee voted unanimously to name Aramark as its new food service management company out of four applicants, including Chartwells, which was the district?s previous provider.A committee made up of school officials, parents and students made the recommendation.?I think we did a good job going through all this,” said School Committee vice-Chairman Corinne Riley. “We actually went to Woburn to eat the food that the kids are going to eat and it was very good. They were very welcoming and it was good stuff. I think the kids are going to enjoy it.”Sam Rippin, Executive Director of Finance and Operations, said the decision to choose Aramark was not a knock against Chartwells.?I?ve met the food service director and it?s not about her and it?s not about the program is a bad program,” said Rippin. “Times are tough and we need to look at what?s financially best for the system.Bernadette Patynski of Aramark said she?s looking forward to “hitting the ground running.”?What those kids are eating in Woburn and Chelsea and Everett, it?s exciting to see the change in palates they?re having and it?s exciting to bring that here,” she said.Aramark will take over in July.Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].