SAUGUS — Scituate’s loss is Saugus’ gain with the announcement that Dr. Rebecca Long is the Superintendent of Schools’ choice to be the Belmonte STEAM Academy’s new principal.
“I believe Dr. Long is the best fit for the Belmonte STEAM Academy and will play a key role in helping us raise the academic bar in Saugus. She not only has an extensive background in teaching and administrative roles but she also has a strong vision for communicating and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all at the Belmonte,” stated Superintendent Erin McMahon in an announcement on the department’s website.
She said Belmonte parents will be invited to a “meet and greet” with Long during the week of June 13.
Long is currently the principal of Jenkins Elementary School in Scituate, a South Shore community with 19,000 residents — roughly 10,000 fewer than Saugus’ population.
Hired as the Jenkins’ principal in 2018, Long previously worked as a principal in the Weymouth public schools. She has taught fifth-grade and third-grade and holds a
doctorate of education degree from Northeastern University.
She also holds a certificate of advanced graduate studies from American International College; a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix, and a bachelor’s degree from Catawba College.
“I selected Dr. Long after an extensive search process that included input from parents, teachers, staff and district administrators. We sent out surveys to all stakeholders, created a broad-based interview committee, held site visits for each candidate, and invited the community to a public forum to hear directly from each candidate,” added McMahon.
Community members attended a “meet the candidates” forum last week to listen to Long and two other finalists for the Belmonte job discuss their qualifications for the principalship.
The other finalists were Purnima De Morais, a principal in Tewksbury, with school leadership experience in Somerville and Newton, and Maureen Lueke, assistant principal at Saugus Middle-High School.
Prior to that, Lueke was principal of the Oaklandvale School in Saugus, assistant principal and guidance counselor at the Belmonte Middle School.
Long will replace Mrs. Tracey Ragucci, who will be returning to the classroom for the 2022-2023 school year. We are thrilled she is remaining a part of the SPS community.
“Thank you to Mrs. Ragucci for her dedication to our students and steady leadership,” stated McMahon, adding, “I’m excited for this next chapter and am eager to welcome Dr. Long to the Belmonte community.”
