Three finalists named in search for next Waltham High principal

School officials have named three finalists in the search for the next Waltham High School principal, with candidates scheduled to visit the campus May 12 and May 13 as part of the final stage of the selection process.

The finalists advanced through two rounds of interviews. They next will make in-person visits to WHS that include meetings with students, faculty and caregivers, classroom walkthroughs and time with Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa.

A virtual community forum is also planned for 5 p.m. May 13, where residents will have an opportunity to meet the candidates and provide feedback.

The school district in an email to WHS families shared information on the three candidates, which is as follows:

Candidate: William T. Conard

William T. Conard is an experienced educational leader with nearly 30 years of service in public education including 10 years as a high school principal and 10 years as a middle school principal. He has a strong commitment to supporting diverse and inclusive school communities. He currently serves as principal of Roosevelt Middle School in New Bedford, where he has led efforts to strengthen school culture, expand academic opportunities, and improve student outcomes. During his tenure, the school has implemented a dual-language program, increased access to advanced coursework, and was designated an International Baccalaureate School in 2025.

Conard previously served as principal of Randolph High School and Galvin Middle School in nearby Canton, where he focused on building strong relationships with students, staff, and families while advancing college and career readiness. His leadership has emphasized equity, inclusive practices, and the development of meaningful learning experiences for all students. His work has been recognized statewide, including presentations at Harvard University on effective school improvement and closing opportunity gaps.

He began his career in the Chicago Public Schools, where he served as an assistant principal and helped develop small learning communities to better support students academically and socially. During his time at Roberto Clemente High School, they were recognized by the International Center for Leadership in Education as one of the 75 most promising high schools in America. 

Conard holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from DePaul University. A former Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand, he brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to service. He lives in Canton with his wife and three daughters and is extremely excited about the opportunity to partner with the students, families, and staff of Waltham High School.

Candidate: Joel Stembridge

Joel Stembridge is a Massachusetts educator with more than 25 years of experience, including 18 years as a high school principal in urban and suburban settings across the Commonwealth. He currently serves as a curriculum and intervention specialist at Holliston High School, supporting instructional practice and school leadership.

Stembridge served as principal of Newton South High School from 2009 to 2020, where he worked to expand access to rigorous coursework for students of color, narrow achievement gaps, and build a Tier 2 intervention system that identified students needing additional support on a weekly basis and ensured a timely, coordinated response.

From 2020 to 2022, he served as principal of Charlestown High School in the Boston Public Schools, leading the school through the COVID years with attention to both academic outcomes and building a school where students and adults worked together to create a culture of belonging. Earlier in his career, he served as principal of the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science in Boston, where he deepened academic programming and expanded student access to Advanced Placement coursework.

Stembridge holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Chicago, a Master of Arts in Teaching from Willamette University, and administrative certification from Boston University.

Candidate: Robert Rametti

Robert Rametti is an educational leader with over two decades of experience in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. He currently serves as chief academic officer at Boston Prep in Hyde Park, where he oversees teaching, learning, and curriculum for 700 students. Under his leadership, the school has risen six percentile points in the state’s school ranking system, progress driven by stronger classroom instruction, better support for teachers, and a sharper focus on student results.

Rametti grew up in Trenton, NJ. Through SEEDS–Access Changes Everything, a local nonprofit, he was awarded a scholarship to attend a highly regarded independent secondary school, an experience that transformed the trajectory of his life. That opportunity instilled in him an enduring belief in the power and responsibility of public education, because no child’s future should be left to chance.

Rametti has spent his career working alongside students, families, and educators with a deep commitment to equity. Before his current role, as principal of Juanita Sanchez Education Complex in Providence, he helped increase the graduation rate by 15 percentage points in just two years. Earlier, he served as head of school at Brighton High School in Boston, where he led a turnaround effort that cut chronic absenteeism nearly in half and reduced student suspensions by 40% by strengthening school culture and accountability systems. 

He began his career as an English Language Arts teacher, serving students in settings ranging from inclusion to honors to advanced placement, always focused on making challenging material accessible to every student. He held National Board Certification from 2010 to 2020 in young adult and adolescent literacy.

Rametti holds a doctorate in PK–12 Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Boston University, where his research examined how schools can better serve all students through more culturally responsive teaching practices.

Outside of work, Rob enjoys trying new restaurants, reading and watching murder mysteries, caring for his rambunctious pug Ramses, and tracking down his next travel deal.