New Bartlett High School principal named; superintendent chosen

WEBSTER – Steven Knowlton has accepted the position of principal of Bartlett Junior Senior High School, starting July 1, 2012.

Mr. Knowlton has been principal of the 1700-student Cranston West High School in Rhode Island since 2006. Before that he was the principal at Coventry High School for two years and North Smithfield Junior Senior High School for three years.

He also served as assistant principal at the North Smithfield High School for ten years.

Mr. Knowlton lists as his accomplishments at Cranston West High School that 96% of graduates there  attend college. He also instituted a Life Skills Program and SPED Leering Center Model.

School Superintendent Gregory M. Ciardi said, “We were really pleased to be able to attract a candidate with the track record and experience that he has. Mr. Knowlton has had a very successful tenure at Cranston West High School, which has many similarities to Bartlett.”

Mr. Knowlton replaces Michael Hackenson, who retired in February.

The Webster School Committee on Saturday chose Dr. Barbara Malkas to be the next school superintendent. The formal announcement will be made after contract negotiations are completed.

Dr. Malkas is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Pittsfield Public Schools.

She will replace Dr. Ciardi, who will be retiring in June.