Wallingford-Swarthmore to fill 2 key posts

NETHER PROVIDENCE » Filling vacancies in two key administrative positions will be on the to-do list for the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District as it closes out 2019.

The district will be conducting searches for a new principal for Strath Haven High School and for a new director of elementary education.

Kristopher Brown, who was appointed to lead the high school in June 2018, is leaving to become the equity officer for the Abington School District. His last day with Wallingford-Swarthmore will be on Jan. 24.

Brown is a graduate of Abington schools and earlier in his career taught social studies at the high school there.

He was 28 when he was hired as an assistant principal for Strath Haven in August 2014.

Jennifer Gaudioso, who has guided curriculum for the district’s three elementary schools since November 2011, will exit on Jan. 15. There was no immediate word on her plans.

The school board accepted both resignations at its most recent meeting.

Superintendent Lisa Palmer said the district will at least initially focus on hiring a new principal internally. She also said the high school is fortunate to have assistant principals who can handle the duties on an interim basis.

However, Wallingford-Swarthmore intends to look externally for a new elementary education director, Palmer said.

Meanwhile, the school board chose new leadership during its recent reorganization meeting. David Grande, who represents Region 3, will serve as board president for the next year, succeeding Marylin Huff.

Tapped as vice president of the nine-member board was Kelly Wachtman, who represents Region 1.