District names William Conard as new principal for Waltham High School 

At the School Committee’s May 20 meeting, Superintendent Marisa Mendonsa announced that Dr. William Conard had been selected to move forward as the new principal for WHS. 

Conard has 30 years of experience in public education, spending 20 of those as a principal. During the hiring process, he emphasized equity, inclusive practices and the development of meaningful learning experiences as leadership priorities. 

He is currently the principal of Roosevelt Middle School in New Bedford, and will now enter into contract negotiations with Waltham Public Schools.

The decision was informed by an interview committee, in-person focus groups and online public forums. 

He resides in Canton with his wife and three daughters. When told he had been chosen for the role, he simply replied, “Go Hawks.”
He is replacing John Barnes, who served WHS for one year as a principal-in-residence, as part of an initiative from the superintendent to mentor less experienced candidates. Barnes ultimately resigned in March. Conard represents a different approach to leading the high school, having had decades of experience in Illinois and Massachusetts public schools.