Miller Principal Search

March 9th Update: Elementary Principal Search & Feedback Reminder

Dear Holliston Community,

We are writing to provide a brief update regarding our search for the next Miller Elementary School Principal.

One of our finalists has recently informed us of their decision to withdraw from consideration for the position. While we understand that transitions like this can be unexpected, our search committee remains fully committed to a thorough and thoughtful selection process.

Your voice is more important than ever. We still have incredible talent under consideration, and your perspectives on the remaining candidates are vital to helping us make the right choice for our students, staff, and families.

📝 Action Requested: Feedback Deadline

Please continue to submit your thoughts via the online feedback form. We want to ensure every voice is heard.

Finalist #1: Brenda Maurao (webinar recording link)

Finalist #1 Bio: Ms. Maurao is the Assistant Principal of Miller Elementary in Holliston, a role she previously held and has since returned to.  Prior to this role, she served as Principal of Mary Lee Burbank School in Belmont, Assistant Director of Talent & Growth, Assistant Director of Elementary Education, and as a Principal in Framingham. Additionally, Ms. Maurao served as Principal of Stall Brook Elementary in Bellingham. She holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education from University of Bridgeport and completed her Certification Program for Administrative Licensure from Lesley University. 

Finalist #2: Qi Chen(webinar recording link)

Finalist #2 Bio: Qi Chen has most recently been Principal of Ellis Mendell School in Boston.  Prior to this role, he served as Assistant Principal of Lowell Elementary School in Watertown.  Earlier in his career he worked as a Math, Special Education, and World Language teacher as well as ESL (English Second Language) Coordinator.  Mr. Chen holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard and a Master of Education in Special Education from University of Hawaii.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for your dedication to the future of our school community.

 

Best regards,

Dr. Joanne Menard, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Dan MacLeod, Director of Technology & Digital Learning

March 6, 2026

Good evening Miller, Placentino, & Holliston Community,

The Miller Elementary School Search Committee completed 3 days of interviews, site visits, and community webinars and has moved forward three finalists for the next stage of our selection process.  We are now asking for feedback on each of the candidates using this link. Please complete this feedback form by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

We want to extend a huge thank you to the students, staff, and community members who have participated in the selection process.  We especially appreciate the time and effort put in by the Search Committee below:

Name

Role

Jane Berkholtz

SEPAC representative, Parent

Chelsey Cardinal

Student Services Administrator

Allie Curley

Digital Learning Teacher, Technology Integration Specialist

Kate Damigella

Paraprofessional

Christina DiGioia

Traditional Teacher

Tracy Floeckher

School Committee Member, Parent

Debbie Holleran

Administrative Assistant

Caitlin Kinsky

Humanities Curriculum Specialist/Interventionist

Beth Leach

PTO representative, Parent

Dan MacLeod

Director of Technology & Digital Learning

Dr. Joanne Menard

Assistant Superintendent of Teaching & Learning

Sarah Nam

Montessori Teacher

Dr. Jaime Slaney

Placentino ES Principal

 

Finalist #1: Brenda Maurao (webinar recording link)

Finalist #1 Bio: Ms. Maurao is the Assistant Principal of Miller Elementary in Holliston, a role she previously held and has since returned to.  Prior to this role, she served as Principal of Mary Lee Burbank School in Belmont, Assistant Director of Talent & Growth, Assistant Director of Elementary Education, and as a Principal in Framingham. Additionally, Ms. Maurao served as Principal of Stall Brook Elementary in Bellingham. She holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education from University of Bridgeport and completed her Certification Program for Administrative Licensure from Lesley University. 

 

Finalist #2: Qi Chen(webinar recording link)

Finalist #2 Bio: Qi Chen has most recently been Principal of Ellis Mendell School in Boston.  Prior to this role, he served as Assistant Principal of Lowell Elementary School in Watertown.  Earlier in his career he worked as a Math, Special Education, and World Language teacher as well as ESL (English Second Language) Coordinator.  Mr. Chen holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard and a Master of Education in Special Education from University of Hawaii.

 

Sincerely,

Dr. Joanne Menard, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Dan MacLeod, Director of Technology & Digital Learning

Dear Holliston Community,

We are excited to announce that we have reached the final stage of our search for Miller’s next Principal. Because community input is essential to our decision-making, we encourage you to join us for "Meet the Finalist" sessions. Please join us from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on the following dates:

Webinar Schedule

Brenda Maurao

Ms. Maurao is the Assistant Principal of Miller Elementary in Holliston, a role she previously held and has since returned to.  Prior to this role, she served as Principal of Mary Lee Burbank School in Belmont, Assistant Director of Talent & Growth, Assistant Director of Elementary Education, and as a Principal in Framingham. Additionally, Ms. Maurao served as Principal of Stall Brook Elementary in Bellingham. She holds a Master of Science in Elementary Education from University of Bridgeport and completed her Certification Program for Administrative Licensure from Lesley University. 

Qi Chen

Qi Chen has most recently been Principal of Ellis Mendell School in Boston.  Prior to this role, he served as Assistant Principal of Lowell Elementary School in Watertown.  Earlier in his career he worked as a Math, Special Education, and World Language teacher as well as ESL (English Second Language) Coordinator.  Mr. Chen holds a Master of Education in School Leadership from Harvard and a Master of Education in Special Education from University of Hawaii.

Jennifer LaMontagne

Jennifer LaMontagne is currently Principal of Winn Brook Elementary in Belmont.  Prior to this role, she served as Principal in Northborough/Southborough Public Schools, Interim Principal in Clinton Public Schools, and Principal/Assistant Principal in Sudbury.   Ms. LaMontagne holds a Master of Education from UMass Amherst and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard.

How to Provide Feedback

Following the final webinar on Friday, March 6, an anonymous survey will be sent to the entire community. This will be your opportunity to provide formal feedback on all candidates to help inform our final decision.

Thank you for your patience and for your commitment to finding the right leader for our school.

 

Best, 

Dr. Joanne Menard, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction

Dan MacLeod, Director of Technology & Digital Learning