Westbrook Public Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Talmadge as the new Westbrook Middle School principal effective July 1.

Talmadge is a highly respected educator with more than 15 years of teaching experience at both middle and high school levels, including the last five years as a music teacher at Westbrook Middle School. Talmadge is also an experienced school leader with more than five years of experience as the associate principal at Valley Regional High School prior to joining the Westbrook Middle School community.

Talmadge earned a bachelor of arts degree in arts and music education and a master of arts in music education from the University of New Mexico. Talmadge also studied school leadership at the University of Connecticut where he earned a 6th-year degree in educational leadership.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kristina J. Martineau said, “Throughout the interview process, Mr. Talmadge communicated a collaborative, inclusive, relational, and service leadership approach. He also demonstrated extensive experience with and knowledge of best teaching and learning practices. The committee described Mr. Talmadge as an insightful, reflective, student-centered, and experienced school leader who is committed to equity and access for all students and building genuine, authentic relationships with all stakeholders in service to children and families. We are incredibly excited for the middle school community and look forward to Mr. Talmadge’s collaborative and community leadership approach in service to the students and families of Westbrook Middle School.”

Talmadge told the Board of Education, “I am excited and honored that I’ve been trusted to do this important work. I look forward to working together for the students of Westbrook. Kids only have one chance at a middle school education. Let’s aim to give them the best experience possible.”

The Westbrook Middle School Principal Search Committee conducted multiple rounds of interviews. Nine candidates were selected to interview out of nearly 40 highly qualified aspiring and experienced school leaders. The committee included 35 school community members representing staff, parents, school leaders, and the Westbrook Board of Education.

“During the search process, our school community communicated that they would like us to hire a principal who is an effective communicator, student centered, collaborative, inclusive, an experienced middle school teacher and an experienced school leader,” Martineau told the Westbrook Board of Education. “Our community also shared that they would like the next middle school principal to be an engaged and active presence in the school, a positive leader with positive energy, and someone who is willing to become a part of the school community by attending activities and community weekend events that our kids are involved in. Our school community also indicated they wanted someone who would take a balanced approach to academics, unified arts, and social and emotional learning.”

After a rigorous screening and multi-stage interview process, Talmadge was highly recommended by the search committee to move forward as the finalist who best fit the school community’s expectations and vision for the new principal of Westbrook Middle School.