Quaboag assistant superintendent moves up

 

Zielinski named King Philip superintendent

By Jonathan Cook

Turley Publications Reporter

WARREN – “I’m no longer a bridesmaid,” said Dr. Elizabeth Zielinski about her new job as superintendent at King Philip Regional School District.

Zielinski has been named a finalist in several other school districts including Groton-Dunstable, Clinton, Seekonk, Easthampton, Oxford and Lakeville. Still, with dozens of Superintendent openings across the state, Zielinski has been selective in her decisions to apply, saying that she has sought jobs in places that would be a good fit for her.

King Philip, she says, feels familiar from the start.

“I think King Philip is an interesting regional school district in that it includes grades seven to 12. I was a grade seven to 12 principal for 12 years (at Chicopee Academy).” She said focusing on that age group will be a good environment to start in. On the other hand she said, the district towns of Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham are considering putting their elementary schools under the same administration to save money. That prospect pleases Zielinski as well. “I love the little ones,” she said.

Zielinski, who resides in Ludlow, says she will take an apartment near her new job. She explained that her husband owns a business in the western part of the state and is unable to pick up and move.

The King Philip middle school (grades seven and eight) has about 850 students. The four-year high school has about 1,200 students.

Quaboag Superintendent Brett Kustigian said Zielinski “leaves big shoes to fill.” He added that the position of Assistant Superintendent which was created for Zielinski will depart with her. Zielinski was the Curriculum Director before she merged that position with that of Director of Special Education. Kustigian said Zielinski will be replaced with a Director of Special Education.

There were 16 applicants for the job at King Philip and Zielinski was one of two finalists interviewed.

One of Zielinski’s first responsibilities will be to hire a new high school principal. After that, she says, like in every other school district, it’s the budget that will be the biggest challenge.

Her last day as Quaboag Assistant Superintendent will be June 25.