Lynn board: Challenges face Cobbet School successor

LYNN – Two School Committee members said Cobbet Principal Brian Fay?s transfer to Callahan School leaves significant challenges for Cobbet?s next principal.School Superintendent Catherine Latham announced on the School Department website that Fay will succeed retiring Callahan Principal Edward Turmenne. In the announcement, Latham praised Fay?s experience as a former Connery School teacher with English language learning, curriculum crafting and community coaching experience.Fay has served as Cobbet principal since 2008 and Latham did not announce who will succeed him. Under state law, the principal selection process lies with the superintendent.Committee member Rick Starbard praised Fay?s move to Callahan but said he would like to see a committee advise Latham on the Cobbet selection.?There are a lot of challenges down there. It will take someone with a lot of energy,” Starbard said.Cobbet parents, including Natasha Megie-Maddrey, outlined building improvements needed in the 86-year-old school, and Starbard said Cobbet is on a list of schools he said needs replacing. He credited Megie-Maddrey with helping to improve the school.?Cobbet has a good core of parents,” Starbard said.Committeewoman Maria Carrasco said committee members, school administrators, and school parents and employees must work together to improve Cobbet.?Anyone who goes to Cobbet will have to work very hard – the school?s in bad condition,” Carrasco said.Latham also announced on the school website that former curriculum and instruction assistant director Marilyn Mahoney will be the new Early Childhood Center?s principal. Opening in September on the second floor of the 90 Commercial St. annex building, the Center will house kindergarten classrooms for about 250 children from overcrowded elementary schools.Latham stated that early childhood specialist Michelle Flynn will succeed Mahoney as assistant curriculum director.Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].