MacArthur School​ Gets New Principal

WALTHAM, MA — MacArthur School has a new principal for next year. The Waltham Schools Superintendent appointed Kevin Kmiec, who has been the assistant principal at the James FitzGerald Elementary School as the new principal at the Douglas MacArthur Elementary School.

"I am thrilled that Kevin has accepted the offer, and I am confident that he, in partnership with the community, will build from the foundation of strength created by Principal Gately," Superintendent Drew Echelson said in a memo home to the community.

Originally from New Jersey, Kmiec has worked in Waltham at FitzGerald school since 2014. Before coming to Waltham, Kmiec taught fourth and fifth grades in Danvers and was assistant to the principal there. He has a certificate of advanced graduate study in Educational Leadership from Salem State University, his principal license from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. He has a Masters in Elementary Education from BU and has a Bachelors in Psychology from Loyola College in Maryland.

Outgoing MacArthur Principal Jane Gately, who has worked for nearly a quarter century in Waltham schools, announced her retirement last month. She served as assistant principal at the Whittemore Elementary School before taking the reins of the MacArthur school.

Echelson praised her for her years of service.

"Principal Gately has a tireless work ethic and for so many years has supported the children and families of Waltham through her leadership and passion for improving the City," he said.

It's not clear yet who will fill Kmiec's role at FitzGerald.

Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).