News Nearby: Beloved Malden Teacher Killed in Crash

Each Saturday, Melrose Patch will run a round-up with links to stories from surrounding communities that are of interest to Melrosians.

MALDEN—A popular Malden High School teacher was killed when his motorcycle swayed into the breakdown lane and hit a guard rail on Route 2 East in Westminster Saturday afternoon.

Student Supervisor Paul Famiglietti, 54, of Malden, crashed near Exit 26 while riding bikes with his son around 3:45 p.m.

Principal Dana Brown, who spoke with Malden Patch from the Famiglietti residence Saturday night, said he hired the popular staff member nine years ago. 

“He ,” Brown emphasized. “I don't know anyone who had a cross word for him. It's going to be very difficult for the school to bounce back.”

STONEHAM—Detectives are investigating some leads and plan to review surveillance video from the  Saturday night at Stop N Save, according to Stoneham Police Chief Richard Bongiorno.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests or positive identifications of the gunman have been made, according to Bongiorno.

"The suspect may have been in the store earlier, and we have a civilian witness that provided some information that corroborates what the store clerk told our officers," Bongiorno said.

Police were able to get a partial plate number on the suspect's vehicle.

Since the armed robbery, evening patrols have been increased at convenience stores in town located near Melrose, according to Bongiorno.

WAKEFIELD—Superintendent Joan Landers has been named the new superintendent of the North Middlesex Regional School District, according to the School Committee's Executive Secretary Nancy Landry.

Landers would begin her new position in the North Middlesex Regional School District, which includes the towns of Townsend, Pepperell and Ashby, on July 1st of 2012.

She has held the superintendent position in Wakefield since December of 2007. Prior to that, she served as interim superintendent since July of 2007, and had held other educational positions within the Wakefield Public School System, including Director of Special Education.

In 2011, Landers signed a 4-year contract with the Wakefield School Department, extending her contract with Wakefield until 2015. However, she was not bound to stay in Wakefield for four years, and could leave at any time provided she gave 60 days notice.

MEDFORD—Three consultants and a new on-staff procurement officer are a few of the ways the Medford Housing Authority plans to address mismanagement of millions in federal funds .

Medford Housing Authority Executive Director Robert Covelle outlined a 21-point action plan in response to a during the housing authority's board of commissioners meeting Wednesday. Despite issues raised in the audit, Covelle said the authority was in good shape financially -- including a $6 million surplus -- and the issues would not impact residents.

"We’re a high performer," Covelle said. "Our properties look great, and our vacancies are minimal."