2 finalists in running for Westport Elementary School principal

WESTPORT — The two finalists for Westport Elementary School principal will meet community members April 23.

Stacey Duquette, interim principal, will speak with forum participants from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of the 380 Old County Road school. Patricia Gablinske, an elementary principal in Lincoln, Rhode Island, will meet with forum participants from 7:15 to 8 p.m., also in the cafeteria, according to a written release from the district.

According to superintendent Gary Reese, there were three finalists for the post but one withdrew after she was offered another job.

Reese lauded the remaining finalists, who were chosen after a search that began in February and attracted more than 30 applicants.

“We named five candidates as semifinalists and set up the interviews. At the same time, we also reached out to staff and the community to identify individuals to serve on the interview committee and to encourage participation in an online survey about the characteristics and skills people most valued for the principal,” Reese said. The interview committee met with four candidates before narrowing the list to three.

"Through site visits and community forums, we hope to learn as much as we can about each candidate," Reese said. "This will help determine which candidate will be the best fit for the school and district.”

Duquette has served the elementary school in many capacities over the years. She served as assistant principal under Thomas Gastall, who retired last June, and has been interim principal since then.

Reese said once the new principal is named, the district should initiate a search for an assistant principal.

Reese, new to the district this school year, has been busy filling leadership vacancies, including two assistant principal posts at the high school, a curriculum director and a new high school principal in Mitchel Aho.

Reese said the junior-senior high school recently hired interim dean Bryan Oliveira, a former math teacher. Oliveira will continue in the role, focusing on grades 7 through 9.