Waltham’s Whittemore, Dual Language Schools To Get New Principals

WALTHAM, MA — The Whittemore and Dual Language Elementary Schools in Waltham are each getting a new principal starting July 1, according to Superintendent of Schools Brian Reagan.

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, 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.

“First, I would like to say what an honor and pleasure it has been to serve as the Principal of Whittemore Elementary School,” Dobles said in a statement. 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,” he continued. "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.

"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,” Sweder said in a statement.

Both school principals plan to share meet and greet events to take place in the summer with details TBD.