Waltham Public Schools selects John Barnes as principal-in-residence for the high school

Waltham Public Schools last week announced the appointment of John Barnes as principal-in-residence for Waltham High School.

Barnes, an experienced educator and instructional leader, has worked across several urban school systems. His career in public education began as an English and mathematics teacher in Maryland public schools, where he said he discovered that student-centered, high-quality instruction was key to driving academic success.

Barnes has held leadership roles overseeing career and technical education programs in both Boston and Providence public schools and most recently served as an assistant principal in Boston. He is known for leading through collaborative planning, professional development and data-driven feedback processes to improve student outcomes. He holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, a Master of Science in accounting and management from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Master of Education from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In a concurrent leadership hire, Raymond Porch will join the district as the chief officer of family and community engagement. Porch brings more than two decades of experience in secondary and postsecondary education across public, charter, private and higher education settings.

He most recently served as director of family and community engagement in Cambridge Public Schools and previously held the position of chief of diversity, equity, and inclusion for Burlington Public Schools. 

His prior roles also include co-principal, dean, and director of culturally and linguistically sustaining practices. 

Porch holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston and a Ph.D. in educational philosophy from Canterbury University in London.

Waltham Public Schools Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa said both leaders bring a commitment to equity, academic excellence and community partnership that will benefit Waltham students and families.