Mr. John Gibbons, current Weston Middle School Principal
John Gibbons believes that his experience and knowledge as a teacher and a principal can be of great benefit to Weston Public Schools, not only during this transitional period, but also into the future. Throughout his 37 year career, 31 of which have been in Weston, he has developed a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our schools, teachers, and students. He has seen firsthand the impact that effective leadership can have on academic achievement and student well-being. He has a demonstrated track record of building and sustaining high functioning teams, and inspiring confidence and trust in Weston’s educational community. In the role as Interim Superintendent, he’d be committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that the district continues to provide high-quality education to all students, making him an excellent candidate for this position.
Mr. Paul Peri, current Weston High School Principal
Paul Peri’s professional experience includes over twenty five years of teaching, learning and leadership experience in the public school setting at all levels. His career began in the sixth grade classroom and after 17 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and then principal in the middle school level, Paul made the move to the high school setting 8 years ago. For the past three years, Paul has proudly served as the principal of the #1 ranked Weston High School. Serving as a consultant with both Athena K12 and William James/MSAA, Paul has taught graduate level coursework covering topics such as growth mindset, emotional intelligence, high-quality instructional strategies, grading practices, difficult conversations, and differentiated instruction. Two courses taught by Paul, “The DNA of Leadership” and “Family and Community Engagement” assist aspiring principals of all levels as they seek to obtain their administrative licensure.
Dr. Karen Zaleski, current Hopkinton Director of Student Services
Dr. Karen Zaleski has spent the past eight years with the Hopkinton Public School District as the Director of Student Services and is an Adjunct Professor at Anna Maria College in the Graduate Psychology Department. She has over twenty years of experience in education with roles as Director of Pupil Services, Assistant Principal, and Behavior Interventionist. Dr. Zaleski holds a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from Boston College with a concentration in Superintendent Leadership and has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Assumption College. She is also a licensed mental health and substance abuse clinician and school adjustment counselor and began her career working at Adcare and Umass Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts. She has spent over two decades promoting high-quality education, wellness, and healing to children, adolescents, and adults in schools, clinics, and hospitals by providing support, tiered interventions, and effectively engaging families, communities, and organizations.
