June 17, 2022 (Waltham, MA) Superintendent of Schools, Brian Reagan, is pleased to announce leadership changes at the Whittemore and Dual Language Elementary Schools effective July 1, 2022.

-Ricardo Dobles, current principal of Whittemore Elementary School, will transfer to the Dual Language School to become that school's next principal. Current principal, Rochelle Nwosu, has resigned her position effective June 30 after four years leading the Dual Language School. Prior to coming to Waltham, Dr. Dobles was an administrator at the Barbieri Elementary School in Framingham, a two way Spanish immersion school serving just under 700 students in grades K-5. Dr. Dobles is an astute observer of classroom instruction, a leader open to new ideas, and an advocate for all students who promotes and supports high quality instruction

“First, I would like to say what an honor and pleasure it has been to serve as the Principal of Whittemore Elementary School. Secondly, I would like to congratulate the Waltham Dual Language School for graduating their very first class of 5th graders! I am looking forward to joining the Dual Language community of teachers, parents, and students as we continue the great work that has been done. As a former Vice Principal for 6 years at Barbieri Elementary, a Dual Language school in Framingham, I understand and appreciate the deep sense of mission and purpose that exists in such a school and I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as the next Principal of Waltham Dual Language School.”

David Sweder, currently an assistant principal at the Kennedy Middle School in Waltham, will transfer to the Whittemore Elementary School as that school's next principal. Prior to his time at Kennedy Middle School, Mr. Sweder was a principal intern at the elementary level within the Boston Public Schools and taught English in Waltham at the McDevitt Middle School, Kennedy Middle School and at Waltham High School. Mr. Sweder is a strong instructional leader with a commitment to equity. As a Waltham resident with three children in the public schools, he works to ensure that all children have access to the kinds of learning experiences they need to be successful.

"I am grateful to Dr. Reagan for providing the opportunity to lead the Whittemore team and to contribute to the great work being done by students and staff. I believe that every child in Waltham deserves access to a world-class educational experience, and I am eager to begin the work necessary to deliver on that promise for all Whittemore students and families." Both school principals plan to share meet and greet events to take place in the summer and those details will be communicated with their respective school communities.