MEDFORD — It is perhaps the most vibrant and, at the same time, ever-expanding cog in the wheel of the Medford Public Schools and when Medford Vocational Technical High School’s (Medford Tech) doors swing open for the start of the new school year Tuesday, a new leader will be in place.
Charles “Chad” Fallon has assumed the reins as principal-director at Medford Tech after spending the past six years as an administrator at Greater Lowell Technical High School. Fallon is replacing Heidi Riccio, who had served in the top post at Medford Tech for the past four years before departing for a different administrative position at Essex Tech in Danvers.
Medford Tech has seen sweeping changes and expansion under the direction of Riccio and the Medford Public Schools administration, including the investment of millions of dollars in federal and state grants as well as city money.
Fallon, who assumed his duties recently this summer, said he had been familiar with what had been going on in Medford and impressed as well and was immediately interested in pursuing a leadership role at Medford Tech when the opportunity arose.
“Medford has been known as a great proponent of vocational education and preparing students for the workforce,” Fallon said, adding, “What has already been accomplished is impressive and we intend to continue that trend.”
Medford School Superintendent Roy Belson said the local community is fortunate to have Fallon aboard at Medford Tech.
“He brings a wealth of both vocational education and technology expertise to the Medford Public Schools. He will work well with our (citywide administrators) as they continue to work to bring the high school and the vocational school together. I am confident that this team will provide the very best educational opportunities for all of our high school students,” Belson said in a statement.
A vocational high school graduate, Fallon continued his education at Boston College where he received a Bachelor of Arts in English. He went on to Cambridge College where he received a Master’s in Education for School Administration.
He began his teaching career at the Belmont Public Schools and moved on to Simmons College where he was an Upward Bound Program counselor/instructor working with students in mathematics and English. He served as a mentor for high school students from low-income and minority families.
Fallon was subsequently hired as program director for Pathways to Success at Bunker Hill Community College. At Bunker Hill, Fallon was responsible for student recruitment and retention at the postsecondary level for at-risk students who had not passed state comprehensive testing requirements.
In 2001, he moved to Keefe Technical High School where he taught technology and also served as the assessment and data coordinator for the district. Since 2011, he has served as the director of technology, enrollment and information for Greater Lowell Technical High School in Tyngsborough.
“We’re thrilled to have (Fallon), who brings a tremendous amount of knowledge as a vocational graduate himself. He will now lead our vocational and technical high school,” Medford Mayor Stephanie M. Burke said in a statement. “Chad’s extensive vocational technical experience will support the continuous growth and further development of students within both the vocational school and high school.”
Fallon says he intends to work on achieving school goals, including strengthening enrollment in technical programs, continuing to grow partnerships in the greater Boston area, and, he said, “work with the faculty and students to make Medford Vocational Technical School the best in the state. We are the school to watch.”
