Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Principal Finalists Named

FRAMINGHAM, MA—Earlier this month, Framingham Public Schools announced the Screening Committee’s recommendations for Woodrow Wilson Elementary School Principal finalists.

Let's meet them:

Shamus Brady is currently a Program Manager (Administrator) at Malden High School in Malden. Prior to that he was a Director of Education at the Willow Hill School in Sudbury, a Grade Level Principal at the Innovation Academy Charter School in Tyngsboro, and an Assistant Principal at the Cora Kelly Math, Science and Technology Elementary School in Alexandria, Virginia. Having begun his education career as a Special Education Teacher at Dunbar High School in Washington, DC, he was also a Special Education Teacher, an Intensive Reading Teacher, and a Special Education Department Head in the Thurgood Marshall Academy PCHS in Washington, DC. Graduating from Williams College, Mr. Brady earned his Master of Arts in Teaching (Special Education) from Trinity University and his Ed. M. in Education Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University.

Darlene Pugnali is currently an Assistant Director (K-5) at the International Charter School in Pawtucket, RI. Prior to that she was a Founding Principal (K-12) of the Global Communications Academy in Hartford, CT, the Head of Early Childhood Center (ages 3-5) of the American School Foundation in Mexico, the School Leader of the Greek Immersion Charter School (K-5) in Dunedin, FL, and the PreK-12 ESL Coordinator in the American School of Brasilia in Brazil. Having begun her education career as a Director/Teacher of the Fisk School in Brazil, she was also the Founding ESL Program Instructor of Schiller International University in Dunedin, FL, and an ESOL Lead Teacher at MacArthur High School in Irving, TX. Graduating from the Faculdades Adamantinenses Integradas in Brazil, Ms. Pugnali earned her Master in Arts in International Education from Framingham State University. She is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Educational Leadership at Lesley University.

Purnima Vadhera is currently an Assistant Principal at Norwood High School in Norwood. Prior to that she was an Assistant Principal at Maynard High School in Maynard, Mass., at the Arthur D. Healey (K-8) School in Somerville, Mass., and at Newton South High School in Newton, Mass. Having begun her education career as a Biology and Physics Teacher at Brookline High School, she also taught Biology at Brighton High School. Graduating from Boston University College of Liberal Arts and Sciences as well as Boston University School of Education, she received her Master of Education in Administration, Planning and Social Policy from Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She is currently enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Leadership at the University of Massachusetts (Boston).

Photo via Framingham public schools