Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 26, 2026 Malden Public Schools welcomes new Program Managers, Directors aboard for 2026-27 school year By Steve Freker M alden Public Schools Superintendent Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D. this week announced the addition of four new districtwide Program Managers and Directors who will lead various departments and initiatives for the next school year. All four newly hired candidates will assume their posts on July 1, including for the following positions for school year 2026-27: K-8 Special Education Program Manager, Director of STEM, Director of Literacy/English Language staff included the following background snapshots of the newly hired educational administrative personnel: —Elise Comeau will be the MalArts (ELA), and High School Program Manager. Dr. Sippel and his Central Office den Public Schools K-8 Special Education Program Manager. At present, she is Special Education Supervisor of Academic Programs for Newburyport Public Schools. Comeau has 12 years of experience in Special Education administration and seven years of experience as a Special Education teacher. She holds a Master of Education degree from Smith College. —Krista Fincke is joining the Malden Public Schools as the Director of STEM, PreK-12 (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). She is at present the Director of Education at Blue Hill Observatory & Science Center in Milton, which offers a variety of STEM-focused educational programs, including field trips, classroom visits and seasonal programs. Several Malden schools visit this center on STEM field trips. Fincke brings experience as a school-based Dean of Curriculum, a district STEM director, a STEM coach and science teacher. She has a Master of Education from the University of Washington. According to Supt. Dr. Sippel, members of the interview panel praised her focus on listening and relationships, strong organizational skills and extensive content knowledge in Math and Science education. —Amy Heuton will be the new Malden Public Schools Director of Literacy/ELA, PreK-12. This school year she was the Assistant Principal at the Spark Academy for Lawrence Public Schools, where she has worked for more than 10 years. Prior to being Assistant Principal, Ms. Heuton served as a department chair, a teacher and a Literacy Interventionist in district, public settings. She has a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University. According to reports, members of the interview panels noted “her deep content knowledge, track record of results in urban districts, and strong relationship-building skills.” —Tanya McDonald is the new Special Education Program Manager at Malden High School. Prior to becoming Program Manager, McDonald was a Malden Team Chairperson for students in out-of-district placements. She holds a Masters of Educational Studies from Cambridge College, concentrating on Special Education, and has a combined 19 years of experience as a special education teacher and administrator.
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