Maggie Harrington-Esko Tapped as PHS Principal
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — After working in many different positions at Pittsfield High School for more than 16 years, Maggie Harrington-Esko has been tapped as the new principal.
She will replace Henry Duval, who is retiring in the fall after nearly 30 years in public education.
Esko began her career at the high school in September 2006 as a social studies teacher, during which she also acted as a teacher leader, mentor, and adviser.
After 11 years in the classroom, Esko was hired to the administrative team where she had multiple titles. Over the last five years, she has been dean of students, vice principal, assistant principal of teaching and learning, and interim principal.
"Maggie has proven to be a fair, supportive, and student-centered educator who always leads with an equity mindset," states a post on the Pittsfield Public Schools' Facebook page announcing Harrington-Esko's new role.
"Maggie has shown dedication to working collaboratively with families over her career and plans to continue to build the connection between school, families, and our community partners."
When Duval announced his retirement in February, Superintendent Joseph Curtis called for 8-12 members to serve on a screening committee to select two to three candidates for him and a committee to interview.
The panel was to conduct first-round interviews for the position in the following month.
The job description read: "PHS is looking for an adaptive and innovative educator to close the opportunity gap, empower educators and maximize learning for all students. Ideal applicants will have a proven track record in instructional leadership resulting in strong academic gains. Additionally, successful candidates will have demonstrated experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion practices including fostering a data-driven culturally responsive classroom culture, the use of restorative practices, and developing a foundation for caregiver and community engagement that brings all voices to the table."
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