Several hires were announced Thursday by Cambridge Public Schools, including making Allan Gately Gehant principal of the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, where he has been interim principal since the fall of 2024.
Fletcher Maynard Academy has a principal in Genteen Jean-Michel, who moves over from the Cambridgeport School – and at that school, assistant principal Michael Macchi steps up to become interim principal.
While a search for an assistant superintendent of elementary education goes on, the list of Thursday hires from Cambridge Public Schools superintendent David Murphy noted bringing on Tamara (Tamii) Stras to become assistant superintendent of secondary education. The role becomes effective in July, after Stras ends her fifth year as principal of Newton South High School.
Also starting in July is Carolyn Weisman as legal counsel – coincidentally also coming from Newton, where she has been assistant city solicitor. The role supports the city and school district there on education-related matters. She is a Hofstra University grad and a member of the Massachusetts and New York bars.
“Ms. Stras and Ms. Weisman both bring extensive experience in the field of education and emerged from deep and talented applicant pools as a result of both their experience and their demonstrated commitment to student outcomes and achievement,” Murphy said.
The district looked for candidates from diverse backgrounds, according to a press release. It cited comprehensive search processes that included administrators, educators and families through surveys, virtual and in-person listening sessions, forums, roundtable discussions and focus groups.
“Since January, CPS has undertaken hiring processes for a number of administrative roles, including chief operating officer, director of family and community engagement – both of which were filled earlier this spring – as well as the roles of assistant superintendents of elementary and secondary education, and legal counsel, following the retirement of three district administrators,” said the press release from spokesperson Jackie Piques.
Gately Gehant has been at the high school for more than 25 years in positions ranging from boys crew coach and math teacher to dean of students, dean of curriculum, assistant principal and finally interim principal. That change took place when Murphy, newly named acting superintendent in 2024, elevated CRLS principal Damon Smith to take over Murphy’s previous position of chief operating officer.
Jean-Michel was principal of the Cambridgeport School for six years after leading schools in Brookline and Boston, according to brief bios in Piques’ press release. Macchi has been assistant principal at Cambridgeport for two years.
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