LYNN — The School Committee voted unanimously Thursday night to approve Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Tutwiler’s appointments for three new principals in the district.
This includes Fred Gallo at Lynn Vocational Technical Institute (LVTI), Dr. John Braga at English High, and Jessica Ekhomu at Hood Elementary.
All principals were chosen through what Tutwiler described as a rigorous, multi-step process consisting of multiple candidates for each position.
Gallo will replace Carissa Karakaedos, who served as principal since 2018 and is relocating to a different state.
Gallo spent 32 years as an educator at LVTI, starting as a bilingual teacher teaching English and Spanish, and focused on science and mathematics.
He then transitioned to teaching physics before becoming a guidance counselor five years later. Gallo served as a guidance counselor for 16 years before his appointment as vice principal in 2015.
The Lynn Public Schools (LPS) website said Gallo has “honed his leadership skills working closely with the principal on implementation of several innovative programs and also recently completing the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators Leadership Academy.
“Clear through the process is Mr. Gallo’s enthusiasm for continuous improvement and innovation at LVTI,” LPS said. “This commitment is coupled with the deep belief in students first and embracing collaboration and voice in any change or improvement effort.”
Gallo holds a bachelor’s degree in science education from Boston University, a master’s in education administration from University of Massachusetts – Boston and a master’s in school counseling from Salem State; Gallo is also fluent in Spanish. He will begin work as principal on July 1, 2021.
Braga will replace Tessie Mower at English, who served in an acting capacity during the 2020-21 school year.
Braga, who speaks Portugeuse and Spanish, started in education as an English teacher at the Mario Umana Academy School in Boston and also taught English at East Boston High School.
Braga held many leadership roles as the director of English language learners services and supplemental programs at the district level before returning to building-based leadership roles in Boston and, most recently, in Somerville.
“He has been instrumental in improvement efforts at the schools where he has served previously,” LPS said. “Featured in each of the experiences, according to Dr. Braga, was a concerted effort to bring the community together around a shared goal.”
LPS said Braga’s experience with and focus on collaboration, instructional leadership, tiered systems of support and culture-building are markers that made him an attractive candidate.
Braga holds a bachelor degree in English from Stetson University, a Master of Education from Lesley, a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Fitchburg State University and a doctorate in education from University of Massachusetts in Lowell. He will begin work as principal on July 6, 2021.
Ekhomu will replace Shirley Albert-Benedict at Hood, who served in an acting capacity during the 2020-21 school year.
Ekhomu began her career as a 5th grade teacher in the Boston Public Schools and quickly ascended to an instructional leadership role as a lead teacher.
Ekhomu was admitted to prestigious leadership fellowships, including the Curate Fellowship and the Lynch Leadership Academy.
She was also a fellow at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School and then as assistant principal at the Tobin K through eighth grade.
“During the interview process, Ms. Ekhomu demonstrated exceptional instructional knowledge,” LPS said. “Both in her experience and through her responses to questions, she displayed deep understanding on how to analyze data and turn that understanding into strategy that improves student outcomes.”
LPS also said that Ekhomu conveyed a notable skillset in and experience with building and maintaining a collaborative, inclusive school culture.
Ekhomou holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and master’s in public health from Georgia State as well as a master’s in Curriculum and Teaching from Boston University. She will begin work as principal on July 1, 2021.
“Each of these leaders brings experience, deep instructional knowledge and a proven track of collaborating to achieve a shared outcome,” Tutwiler said.
Mayor Thomas M. McGee congratulated the three principals and said he looks forward to their leadership and is “happy to have them on board.”
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
