Norwood High School Asst. Principal Leaving For Framingham Job

FRAMINGHAM, MA — After an extensive search, and an intensive interview and background process, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School has now got a new principal and vice principal.

Dr. Robert Tremblay, Superintendent of Schools, is pleased to appoint Purnima Vadhera as principal and Darlene Pugnali as the vice principal of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, announced the public schools.

"It's rare to be presented with the opportunity to truly refresh school leadership and we are extremely fortunate to be adding two incredible women to the team at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School," the superintendent said in his announcement. "Their combined skills, experience, and interest in fully engaging with the community will help shape the lives of many young learners for years to come.

"From the time that I was presented with three very capable finalists to lead Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, I knew the final selection would be a difficult one. After consulting with the Woodrow Wilson staff, reading through all the stakeholder evaluations, and speaking with students, my search was narrowed to two candidates. With yet another full day for finalists to visit classrooms and talk with staff and students, the choice was clear. I needed them both!"

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. 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).

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.

Photo and story via Framingham Public Schools.