Published: 5/4/2016 9:19:12 PM
ORANGE — The former seconds-in-command to the departed principal will continue to lead Mahar Regional School as co-principals.
Former deans Scott Hemlin and Eric Dion will share leadership of the school as co-principals on a permanent basis. The two have shared the interim role since Principal Ishmael Tabales left for work elsewhere last year.
Superintendent Tari Thomas announced the decision Tuesday.
“Given the complex and demanding position of principal, the two will continue to serve as co-principals and utilize the role of student monitor for daily student management needs,” Thomas wrote.
Director of Finance and Operations Daniel Haynes said at a recent budget hearing that the district has saved some money by opting for the co-principal model over a principal and deans.
Hemlin has worked at the school since 2007, serving in the role of high school dean of students and as interim principal in 2010-2011. Dion has worked at the school since 2008, as a guidance counselor and middle school dean of students.
Before Mahar, Hemlin was a high school biology teacher for nine years with the Gardner Public School District. He has served in the United States Marine Corps, possesses a bachelor’s degree in biology from Fitchburg State University and a master’s in organizational management from Endicott College.
Dion worked as an adviser at Mount Wachusett Community College before Mahar, served as a guidance counselor for Gardner High School and Blackstone-Millville Regional High School and worked with the Worcester Community Action Council and AmeriCorps. Dion holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Sacred Heart University, and master’s degrees in counseling and psychology from Anna Maria College and organizational management from Endicott.
“I know Principals Dion and Hemlin will provide strong, compassionate, visionary leadership for R.C. Mahar Regional for years to come,” Thomas wrote.