Eileen Belastock has been named as the new principal of Winthrop High School, succeeding Gail Conlon who is retiring at the end of the school year.
Superintendent of Schools John Macero selected Belastock from a group of four finalists for the position. Macero said selection committee members visited the school sites of the four finalists before they in turn came to Winthrop to meet with the WHS staff and tour the building.
Macero and Lisa Howard, assistant superintendent of schools, then conducted an interview with the finalists.
“We also accepted input from staff members,†said Macero, who made his decision last Wednesday.
Belastock, currently an assistant principal at King Philip Regional High School in Wrentham, brings a strong background in technology and mathematics to the position, according to Macero.
“In communicating with the faculty and students at King Philip, we learned that she was a person who liked to bring all persons together and was a strong collaborator,†said Macero. “I think she has a lot of energy and she’s looking forward to being highly visible. She’s the right fit for us as we move forward from the Mrs. Conlon era.â€
Belastock is originally from Charlestown and “loves the North Shore,†Macero said. “She really wanted to return to this area and work up this way because she has family all around the North Shore.â€
Belastock was an assistant principal at Franklin High School before becoming an assistant principal at King Philip.
“I believe she is ready to take the next step and become the principal at Winthrop High School,†said Macero. “We’re looking forward to her being in Winthrop for years to come. I believe that Eileen will be very good at working with the community on the value of the new school project and will be able to handle that transition if the new school proposal goes through.â€
Belastock will begin working in the school system on July 1.
“We are in negotiations for a contract,†said Macero.