PEABODY — Veterans Memorial High School’s new principal Steven Magno has a lot in common with his boss, Superintendent-elect Dr. Josh Vadala — they both spent years educating Revere students.
Vadala, who was hired by the Peabody School Committee in March, is a former Revere public school assistant superintendent. Magno spent 10 years in Revere as a high school administrator, including four years as Seacoast Alternative High School principal as part of his 22-year education career.
Magno grew up in Peabody and attended the Burke Elementary School and Higgins Middle School, according to a statement provided by Vadala.
“Mr. Magno comes highly recommended as an outstanding leader, strong communicator and a collaborative team player. He takes a student centered approach to education, has extensive experience in special education and a strong desire to support and empower educators. We are excited to welcome Mr. Magno to the Peabody School community,” said Vadala.
Magno is scheduled to start his new job on July 1 — the same day Vadala officially starts as superintendent.
According to his Facebook page, Magno attended St. John’s Prep and earned a special education degree at Salve Regina University and earned advanced education degrees at Salem State College in 2003 and 2009.
Vadala started working in Revere in 1999 as a middle school teacher at SeaCoast. His career included stints as an assistant principal and acting principal and he served as assistant superintendent in Revere for four years before being hired as Peabody superintendent.
Magno began his career as a special education teacher and spent six years as the high school team chairperson. In 2010, he was promoted to Revere High School assistant principal.
Former state education specialist and Peabody teacher Dr. Marc Kerble has served as interim superintendent since last December when he was picked for the job following Superintendent Cara Murtagh’s death last November.
Kerble has led Peabody schools through coronavirus, including implementing state orders to close schools and launching at-home learning programs.
Peabody schools, like others across the state, remain closed through the end of the academic year.
“We continue to follow the governor’s guidance closely and will work with the city and department of public health to ensure the safety of all involved as we progress towards re-opening our school buildings,” Vadala said.
